Racing fans thinking of buying or visiting property in Italy can catch one of the country’s oldest, fastest and most passionately-contested horse races when the Palio of Siena takes place on July 2nd.

Dating back to the 14th century, this meeting is a world away from a day out at Ascot or Cheltenham, with ten bareback riders engaging in a frantic, 90-second dash around the city’s Piazza del Campo.

With entrants drawn from the different districts of Siena and local pride on the line, competition is fierce.

What’s On When noted that the event attracts thousands of spectators and in order to get a chance of seeing Siena’s biggest event of the year, it is advisable to get there early.

Prior to the race itself, there is a medieval pageant, featuring drums, songs and the waving of silk flags.

The winner of the Palio receives a much-coveted banner bearing a likeness of the Virgin Mary.

All in all, the events guide said that the race makes for an "unforgettable" show for those staying at Italian property in July.

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