What do a giraffe, a unicorn, a small owl, and a tower all have in common? Despite no apparent links, each of these entities proudly represent one of Siena’s 17 contrade, or neighborhoods. These are more than just fun mascots, however; they represent the lifeblood of the city, her citizens connections to their history, land, and heritage.

It’s no surprise, then, that a horse race pitting various contrade against each other comes with great fanfare and devotion of monumental proportions. It’s called the Palio di Siena, an ancient race that dates possibly to Etruscan times. Since the 1600s, the contest has played out in Siena’s main piazza, Piazza del Campo, as athletic steeds run snout to snout in a blow-out competition.