Siena takes great
pride in its division
into neighbourhoods,
or
contrade ,
ancient self-governing
wards that formed a
patchwork of tribal
identity within the
fabric of the city and
that still flourish
today, helping to
foster tight bonds of
community and
contributing to
Siena's surprisingly
low crime rate. Each
of the seventeen
contrade
has its own church,
social club and
museum. Each, too, has
a heraldic animal
motif, displayed in a
fountain-sculpture in
its neighbourhood
piazza. Allegiance to
one's
contrada
- conferred by birth -
remains a strong
element of civic life,
and identification
with the
contrade
is integral to the
competition of the
Palio. You'll often
see groups of
comparse
practising flag-waving
and drum-rolling
around town.
The contrade
museums , with
their displays of
Palio trophies, are
open to visitors
during the build-up to
the Palio and at other
times by appointment
(ask the tourist
office to book for you
at least a week in
advance).
