Since the 1200s, Siena has been home to a thrilling horse race, and documents from before the 12th century recall a 'Palio di San Bonifazio', named after the patron saint of the ancient cathedral that once stood in Castelvecchio.

In that era, the town's emblem was proudly displayed in the square of the New Cathedral, heralding the arrival of the exhilarating horse race.

When Siena rose to become one of the wealthiest and most cultured cities in medieval Europe, the Palio became the crowning glory of the annual festivities, a joyous celebration of the Virgin Mary's Assumption, the patron saint of Siena and its state.

The highlight of the festivities was the ceremony of offering candles and censi in the cathedral, a religious and political rite, a symbol of devotion to the Madonna of the Sienese and of submission to the rulers of the Municipality of Siena.