{"id":22129,"date":"2026-01-08T12:05:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:05:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/?page_id=22129"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:56:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T09:56:02","slug":"contrada-della-civetta-history-traditions-museum-and-palios-won","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/contrada-della-civetta-history-traditions-museum-and-palios-won\/","title":{"rendered":"Contrada della Civetta: history, traditions, museum and Palios won"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Siena is a unique city in the world, divided into seventeen historic <em>contrade<\/em>\u2014small communities that have handed down traditions, rivalries and passions linked to the famous Palio for centuries. Among these, the <strong>Priora Contrada of the Civetta<\/strong> occupies a special place. Symbolised by a crowned owl perched on a branch, the Civetta is beloved by its <em>contradaioli<\/em> (members) and intrigues visitors of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This family\u2011oriented travel guide will take you to discover the Contrada della Civetta: from its ancient history to its heartfelt traditions, from the treasure\u2011filled museum to the Palios won over the centuries. It all begins at the welcoming Hotel Minerva in Siena, a perfect starting point for exploring the medieval heart of the city and the streets of the <strong>Contrada del Castellare<\/strong> (another name for the Civetta). Prepare for a journey through time among narrow lanes, legends and the colours of the contrade!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is the Contrada della Civetta located?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Contrada della Civetta is situated in the heart of Siena\u2019s historic centre, within the <em>Terzo<\/em> (historic district) of <strong>San Martino<\/strong>. Its territory unfolds around <strong>Piazza Tolomei<\/strong> and the adjoining streets\u2014Via Cecco Angiolieri, Via delle Donzelle and Via di Calzoleria\u2014reaching parts of <strong>Banchi di Sotto<\/strong> and <strong>Banchi di Sopra<\/strong> near the Croce del Travaglio. This central zone, rich in medieval palaces, is also known as the <strong>Castellare degli Ugurgieri<\/strong>, named after the ancient fortified complex that forms the core of the contrada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For visitors: from <strong>Hotel Minerva<\/strong> (Via Garibaldi&nbsp;72) it takes about ten minutes on foot to reach Piazza Tolomei and thus enter Civetta territory. You are immediately immersed in a medieval atmosphere: narrow cobbled alleys, contrada crests painted on the walls and, perhaps, black\u2011and\u2011red flags (the colours of the Civetta) hanging from windows and doors. It is a very central yet quiet neighbourhood, perfect to explore with children, who will enjoy looking for the owl symbol hidden here and there among the building decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:flex; justify-content:center;\">\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hotel Minerva   Full 4K ITA\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AW3LygfbUKw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is the contrada called \u201cCivetta\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The name <strong>Civetta<\/strong> comes from the animal that represents it\u2014the little owl. According to historical tradition the name dates back to classical antiquity: in this area there once stood a temple dedicated to <strong>Minerva<\/strong>, the Roman goddess of wisdom, whose sacred animal was the owl. This link to Minerva meant that the nocturnal bird of prey became the symbol of the quarter. The owl also represents cunning and the ability to see clearly in the dark\u2014qualities in which Civetta <em>contradaioli<\/em> take pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Coat of arms and colours:<\/strong> The official coat of arms of the <em>Priora Contrada della Civetta<\/em> is split down the middle in black and red, with a crowned owl perched on a branch at the centre. On either side of the bird are two small blue shields with the letters <strong>\u201cU\u201d<\/strong> and <strong>\u201cM\u201d<\/strong> in honour of King Umberto&nbsp;I and Queen Margherita of Savoy, who allowed their initials to be added during a visit to Siena in&nbsp;1887. The contrada\u2019s colours are black and red edged in white, easy to recognise on the flags and scarves (<em>bandane<\/em> or <em>foulards<\/em>) worn by Civetta members. The contrast of black and red, enlivened by white, makes the Civetta\u2019s banner one of the most elegant and noticeable during the Palio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the contrada\u2019s motto and what does it mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every <em>contrada<\/em> in Siena has a traditional motto in Italian or Latin that expresses its spirit. The Civetta\u2019s motto is <strong>\u201cVedo nella notte\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;\u201cI see in the night\u201d. Associated with the image of the nocturnal owl, this short phrase emphasises the ability to see even in the dark and thus to remain clear\u2011sighted and cunning even in difficult situations. It is an almost mysterious and fascinating motto that children enjoy: it invites them to identify with the lively eye of the owl that silently watches everything in the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to this motto, the Civetta is sometimes nicknamed the contrada that sees at night. Of course, don\u2019t expect to see real owls perched on Siena\u2019s rooftops! It is symbolic: the Civetta is a \u201cseer\u201d figuratively. During contrada festivities it is common to hear <em>contradaioli<\/em> sing chants recalling the motto to psych themselves up before the races or to celebrate victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is it called <strong>Priora<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The contrada\u2019s official name includes the title <strong>\u201cContrada Priora della Civetta\u201d<\/strong>. The title <em>Priora<\/em> is a special honour: it was granted to this contrada because it hosted the first meeting of the <strong>Magistrato delle Contrade<\/strong>, the assembly that periodically brings together the priors (presidents) of all seventeen <em>contrade<\/em> to discuss common matters. Historically, the Civetta had the honour of organising the first official meeting of this body and since then has been entitled to call itself <strong>Priora<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only three contrade in Siena carry honorary titles: besides the Civetta (<em>Priora<\/em>), there is the <strong>Onda<\/strong> (<em>Capitana<\/em>, for ancient military merits) and the <strong>Giraffa<\/strong> (<em>Regina<\/em>, for having welcomed a visiting king). These titles do not confer practical privileges in the Palio but have great symbolic and ceremonial value. During historical parades you will hear the speaker announce: <em>\u201cContrada Priora della Civetta\u201d<\/em> to emphasise this special status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symbols and secondary emblems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the owl itself, the contrada has several heraldic symbols and historical references that are fun to discover. We have already mentioned the initials <strong>U.M.<\/strong> on the blue shield: those letters stand for Umberto and Margherita, the Savoy sovereigns honoured in&nbsp;1887. Other noteworthy elements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Military Companies:<\/strong>&nbsp;In the past Siena divided its territory into military companies. For the Civetta the reference companies were <strong>San Cristoforo<\/strong>, <strong>San Pietro in&nbsp;Banchi<\/strong> and <strong>San&nbsp;Vigilio<\/strong>. Today these names carry little practical significance, but you will find them in the names of some streets and churches of the contrada. For example, San&nbsp;Pietro in&nbsp;Banchi was once a parish church in the area (later demolished in the 18th&nbsp;century), while San&nbsp;Cristoforo is the church still standing in Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei where the Civetta once had its own altar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The She\u2011Wolf of Siena:<\/strong>&nbsp;The symbol of the city of Siena is the she\u2011wolf nursing the twins, linked to the legend of Remus and Aschius. In Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei stands a column topped by a stone Sienese she\u2011wolf, erected in&nbsp;1260 to celebrate the victory of the Sienese at the <strong>Battle of Montaperti<\/strong>. The original statue is now preserved in the Museum of the Contrada della Civetta, while a copy remains in the piazza. This connection symbolises Civetta pride in Siena\u2019s glorious history: the Civettini feel that medieval victory is partly theirs thanks to the heroic leader <strong>Giovanni Ugurgieri<\/strong>, who set out from the Castellare with his troops to fight at Montaperti.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The nickname \u201cdel&nbsp;Castellare\u201d:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Civetta is also called the <strong>Contrada del Castellare<\/strong> because its territory includes the <strong>Castellare degli Ugurgieri<\/strong>, the medieval fortress around which contrada life revolves. Strolling along Vicolo del Castellare you will see a plaque recalling Giovanni Ugurgieri and the departure for Montaperti, as well as the dedication of the oratory and contrada headquarters to its members. This nickname distinguishes the Civetta from other <em>contrade<\/em> and recalls its fortified architectural roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is the patron saint of the contrada and how is he celebrated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The patron saint of the Contrada della Civetta is <strong>Saint Anthony of Padua<\/strong>, one of the most popular saints in Catholic tradition (known as the saint of miracles and patron of the poor and of children). The choice of Saint&nbsp;Anthony is linked to history: when the Civetta decided to establish its own oratory (a contrada church) it dedicated it to Saint&nbsp;Anthony of Padua, making him its protector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The contrada\u2019s <strong>titular feast<\/strong>\u2014the annual celebration of the patron saint\u2014is held around <strong>13&nbsp;June<\/strong>, the feast day of Saint&nbsp;Anthony. Usually the Civetta\u2019s titular feast is on the Sunday closest to 13&nbsp;June. It is a very heartfelt occasion for all <em>contradaioli<\/em>, adults and children. There is a solemn mass in the oratory with <em>contradaioli<\/em> in full traditional dress, followed by a procession through the neighbourhood streets with the flag and retinue. One of the most beautiful moments is the <strong>contrada baptism<\/strong>, which often takes place during the titular feast: newborns in the contrada are symbolically presented to the saint and the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the religious ceremonies the celebration continues convivially: open\u2011air dinners are organised in the Castellare or in the streets, with long tables where families dine together on typical Sienese dishes. There are lights in black\u2011red\u2011white, music and games for children. Sometimes photographic exhibitions or screenings of old Palio footage won by the Civetta recall the contrada\u2019s glories. In short, the titular feast is an opportunity to strengthen community spirit and to let even children know their contrada roots in a joyful atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the most important traditions of the Contrada della Civetta?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life in a contrada is rich in centuries\u2011old traditions. Here are some that are particularly significant in the Civetta, explained simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Contrada baptism:<\/strong>&nbsp;This rite officially welcomes new members into the contrada. Those born or living in the quarter, or those who wish to join, are symbolically baptised with water from the contrada\u2019s baptismal fountain. In the Civetta this fountain is an elegant work by sculptor <strong>Adolfo&nbsp;Micheli<\/strong>, located at Via&nbsp;Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri&nbsp;45 inside the Castellare courtyard. At the top there is a little bronze owl. During the ceremony the <em>priore<\/em> or parish priest wets the candidate\u2019s forehead with water from the fountain and recites a welcome formula. From that moment the new <em>contradaiolo<\/em>\u2014child or adult\u2014becomes part of the Civetta family. This rite usually takes place on the day of the June titular feast or on special occasions and often involves dozens of children, creating an emotional atmosphere for parents and the whole contrada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Societ\u00e0 (club) of the contrada:<\/strong>&nbsp;Every contrada has a <strong>Societ\u00e0 di Mutuo Soccorso<\/strong> (mutual aid society) that acts as a social club for its members. The Civetta\u2019s is called the <strong>Societ\u00e0 \u201cCecco&nbsp;Angiolieri\u201d<\/strong>, named after the celebrated medieval poet who was born in this district (see below). The Societ\u00e0 organises dinners, parties, bingo, football match screenings and other social activities that keep the community alive all year round, not just during the Palio. It is family\u2011friendly, with spaces where children can play safely while adults dine or chat. If you are staying nearby during an event, it is not unusual for <em>contradaioli<\/em> to invite guests to a dinner at their Societ\u00e0\u2014an authentic way to experience Sienese life from within.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The trials and the General Trial dinner:<\/strong>&nbsp;During the Palio period (late June\/early July and mid\u2011August) the city lives for the race. The Civetta, like other drawn <em>contrade<\/em>, participates with its horse and jockey. In the three days of trials before the race the contrada conducts various rituals: from blessing the horse (on the day of the Palio, the Civetta\u2019s horse is led into the Oratory of Saint&nbsp;Anthony for a solemn blessing\u2014there is a saying: <em>\u201cVai e torna vincitore!\u201d<\/em>\u2014\u201cGo and come back victorious!\u201d) to the historical procession in costume. On the evening of the <strong>General Trial<\/strong>\u2014the penultimate trial run held the evening before the Palio\u2014all <em>contrade<\/em> organise a large outdoor dinner in their streets. The Civetta\u2019s General Trial dinner gathers hundreds of people in the Castellare or another square in the quarter, with tables set under the flags, toasts, songs and speeches from the captain. It is an incredible moment of unity: children run around with Civetta scarves around their necks, grandparents recall anecdotes of past Palios, and the air is filled with excitement before the great challenge the next day. Tourists can sometimes buy a place at these dinners by asking the contrada, offering the chance to feel part of the celebration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The <em>Giro<\/em> and the <em>Paggiata<\/em>:<\/strong>&nbsp;If the Civetta wins the Palio, the celebrations explode! On the very night of victory the <em>contradaioli<\/em> perform the <em>giro<\/em>\u2014a spontaneous procession through their streets, singing victory hymns, symbolically visiting their boundaries and celebrating with allied <em>contrade<\/em>. In the following days the <strong>Paggiata<\/strong> ceremony takes place: the Palio banner (the <em>drappellone<\/em>) is carried in triumph through the streets and symbolically presented to friendly sister <em>contrade<\/em>, accompanied by drummers, flag\u2011bearers and extras in historical costume. The Civetta\u2019s Paggiata is known for being particularly joyful; sometimes children of the contrada parade proudly with a small banner made of paper or cloth. A few weeks after the victory the <strong>Victory Dinner<\/strong> takes place\u2014a banquet of epic proportions open to all Siena, with tables laid out perhaps in Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei or along the streets, and the winning jockey and horse present as honoured guests. This is the culmination of contrada traditions: eating, singing and being together under the benevolent gaze of the victorious Civetta.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, the contrada is a second family for those who live there. People are born, grow up and live \u201cin the Civetta\u201d, learning the sense of belonging from an early age. For tourists and visiting children, witnessing even a small fragment of these traditions\u2014whether a blessing, a trial, a contrada baptism or a simple dinner\u2014can be an unforgettable experience that reveals how vibrant Sienese cultural heritage is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the Civetta have allies and rivals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. In the complex web of relationships between <em>contrade<\/em> the Civetta has four allied contrade: <strong>Aquila<\/strong>, <strong>Giraffa<\/strong>, <strong>Istrice<\/strong> and <strong>Pantera<\/strong>. These alliances have been consolidated over time for various historical reasons and mutual convenience during the Palio. For example, Civetta and Pantera were anciently allied because both often opposed the powerful <strong>Oca<\/strong>; with Aquila and Istrice the alliance is more recent (second half of the 20th&nbsp;century) and was born out of shared rivalries and interests. The alliance with the Giraffa, on the other hand, dates back to long ago and is strengthened by territorial proximity (Giraffa borders the Civetta to the east). Being allies means supporting each other morally during the Palio, sometimes sharing dinners or initiatives and, if one wins, participating in the celebrations by sending an official delegation to the victory procession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other side, the Civetta has a historic rival: <strong>Leocorno<\/strong>. The Civetta\u2013Leocorno rivalry is one of the most intense in Siena, although it became official only in&nbsp;1930. Rivalries often arise from incidents during the Palio or territorial friction: in this case Civetta and Leocorno are neighbouring <em>contrade<\/em> (divided by Via&nbsp;San&nbsp;Vigilio) and frequently run the Palio together. Episodes of very competitive races and some fouls between jockeys in the 20th&nbsp;century exacerbated the relationship. Thus, since around 1930, the Civetta and Leocorno consider each other enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What does this rivalry entail? During the Palio, Civetta and Leocorno will try not only to win but also to hinder each other if they get the chance\u2014for example by using strategies to disturb the rival horse on the track. In everyday life there is a playful antipathy: if the Civetta wins, people jokingly say the Leocorno <em>\u201cputs its scarf on the lamppost\u201d<\/em> (i.e., sulks quietly), and if Leocorno wins then the Civettini suffer doubly. This competition often motivates the <em>contradaioli<\/em> even more and creates a spectacle within the spectacle, especially for visitors. However, once the Palio is over, the animosity remains confined to the race: in daily life the Civettini and Leocornini are simply Sienese from the same neighbourhood who live together civilly, perhaps with some good\u2011natured teasing. For contrada children the rivalry is almost a game: you might see youngsters from the Civetta and Leocorno arguing about who is stronger and then going back to playing together as if nothing had happened!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which historical figures are associated with this contrada?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Civetta\u2019s ancient territory has been home to notable figures. During your visit you might tell these stories to intrigue younger visitors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri (c.&nbsp;1260\u20131312):<\/strong>&nbsp;A goliardic poet of the Middle Ages, he was born and lived in Via degli Angiolieri (now Via&nbsp;Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri) right in the heart of the Civetta. He is famous for his irreverent, playful poems\u2014his most celebrated verse begins \u201c<em>S\u2019i\u2019 fosse foco, arderei \u2019l mondo<\/em>\u201d (\u201cIf I were fire, I would burn the world\u201d). A man of rebellious character and a lover of merriment, he embodies some of the Civetta\u2019s sharp spirit. Today the contrada honours him by naming its Societ\u00e0 after him and with plaques and quotations on its streets; look for the plaque on the building where his family is thought to have lived. Children will enjoy learning about Cecco because he was a \u201ccheeky\u201d poet who preferred to laugh and joke rather than praise nobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Giovanni&nbsp;Caselli (1815\u20131891):<\/strong>&nbsp;An engineer and inventor born in <strong>Banchi di Sotto<\/strong> (Civetta territory). He is not a household name, but he created a remarkable invention for the time: the <strong>pantelegraph<\/strong>, considered a precursor to the fax. In 1861 Caselli succeeded in transmitting drawings and signatures over telegraph lines\u2014essentially the first fax in history. He also devised an automatic rudder for ships. His birthplace is marked by a plaque. Telling children about Caselli can be inspiring: imagine that from a small medieval contrada came an idea so ahead of its time that it anticipated modern technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pia de\u2019&nbsp;Tolomei (c.&nbsp;1270\u20131298?):<\/strong>&nbsp;Within Civetta territory stands the majestic <strong>Palazzo Tolomei<\/strong> overlooking the square of the same name. The Tolomei were a powerful family of Sienese bankers. One woman of the house, <strong>Pia de\u2019&nbsp;Tolomei<\/strong>, is shrouded in mystery and legend; she is mentioned by Dante in the <em>Purgatorio<\/em> (Canto&nbsp;V) with the verses \u201c<em>Ricorditi di me, che son la Pia; Siena mi fe\u2019, disfecemi Maremma<\/em>\u201d (\u201cRemember me, I am the Pia; Siena made me, Maremma unmade me\u201d). According to tradition, she may have been put to death by her husband in a Maremma castle. Whether historically true or not, she has become a famous literary figure. Walking in Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei you can show your children the Gothic palace and tell this somewhat chilling story of a noble Sienese lady remembered even in Dante\u2019s work. The Civetta likes to emphasise that it guards \u201c<strong>Pia\u2019s quarter<\/strong>\u201d; the contrada museum occasionally displays artworks or texts commemorating her, forming part of the area\u2019s cultural heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blessed Pier&nbsp;Pettinaio (c.&nbsp;1200\u20131289):<\/strong>&nbsp;Another figure linked to the area is <strong>Pietro&nbsp;da&nbsp;Campi<\/strong>, known as <em>Pier&nbsp;Pettinaio<\/em> because he sold combs for a living. He lived in a lane of the Civetta district (today <strong>Vicolo di Pier&nbsp;Pettinaio<\/strong> is within its boundaries) and was renowned for his honesty and generosity. He became such a beloved figure that Dante mentions him in the <em>Purgatorio<\/em> (Canto&nbsp;XIII) as an example of humility contrasted with noble pride. Pier&nbsp;Pettinaio was declared blessed by the Church and is still remembered by the Sienese today. If you pass through the lane named after him, you can explain to children that a good man lived here who helped the poor and preferred a simple life to easy profits\u2014a positive role model from the Middle Ages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, the Contrada della Civetta is not just about horses and flags: it is a microcosm of history and culture. Every corner tells a story and every street name is connected to someone important. A walk here becomes almost a treasure hunt of stories: challenge your children to find, for example, the bronze owl on the fountain, the plaque commemorating Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri, or the column with the she\u2011wolf in Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei, and at each stop tell them the related story. In this way the visit remains lively and instructive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you visit in the Contrada della Civetta?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a contrada is not an open\u2011air museum in the traditional sense, wandering its streets reveals places of great interest connected to contrada life and Siena\u2019s history. Here are the main sights in Civetta territory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei and the Church of San&nbsp;Cristoforo:<\/strong>&nbsp;This elegant little square, midway along <strong>Banchi&nbsp;di&nbsp;Sopra<\/strong>, is the ideal entrance to the Civetta quarter. Overlooking it are the medieval <strong>Palazzo Tolomei<\/strong> (one of Siena\u2019s oldest palaces, built around&nbsp;1205) and the <strong>Church of San&nbsp;Cristoforo<\/strong>, a small Romanesque church. San&nbsp;Cristoforo played a special role for the Civetta: before the contrada built its own oratory, the <em>contradaioli<\/em> met here and had their own altar. In the square you can also see the <strong>Column of the She\u2011Wolf<\/strong>, the symbol of Siena, installed after the victory at Montaperti in&nbsp;1260. Pause to observe the she\u2011wolf on top of the column; the original is housed in the contrada museum, but the copy shows how much the Sienese value their symbols. The square was once the scene of important civic assemblies: in the 13th&nbsp;century the Government of the Nine, which administered the Republic of Siena, made its announcements here. Standing there, it\u2019s thrilling to imagine the scenes of centuries past. For children, counting how many owls and wolves they can spot in the square\u2019s decorations can be fun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Castellare degli Ugurgieri:<\/strong>&nbsp;Entering through <strong>Vicolo del Castellare<\/strong>, you reach the <strong>Castellare degli Ugurgieri<\/strong>, a complex of 13th\u2011century fortified buildings arranged around a central courtyard that once belonged to the noble Ugurgieri family. Today the entire castellare is owned by the Contrada della Civetta and is the hub of its activities. Once through the arch, you find yourself in a silent courtyard surrounded by stone walls and arched windows, with ancient wells and contrada coats of arms on the walls\u2014it feels like stepping into the Middle Ages. On weekdays it may be quiet and almost deserted, while during contrada celebrations it fills with people, tables and flags, becoming a picturesque scene of conviviality. On the right side of the courtyard a stairway leads to a loggia giving access to the <strong>contrada headquarters<\/strong> and the museum rooms; on the left a doorway leads to the <strong>Oratory<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Curiosity:<\/em>&nbsp;In the courtyard, try to spot the small baptismal fountain where <em>contradaioli<\/em> are baptised, often located under a niche or tabernacle with an image of the Virgin. On the ground or walls you may notice fossil shells and pebbles embedded in the structure; this is because the cellars and underground rooms beneath show ancient marine deposits\u2014evidence that this area was once seabed millions of years ago! Keen eyes can see layers of shells and sand consolidated in the tuff, offering a geological journey through time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oratory of Saint&nbsp;Anthony of Padua:<\/strong>&nbsp;Attached to the side of the Castellare is the contrada\u2019s small church, built by the <em>contradaioli<\/em> between&nbsp;1933 and&nbsp;1945. The exterior is very simple\u2014almost indistinguishable except for a small fa\u00e7ade in the Sienese neo\u2011Romanesque style. Inside, however, it is welcoming and full of meaning: it preserves paintings dedicated to Saint&nbsp;Anthony (by painter <strong>Galgano Perpignani<\/strong>) and a beautiful 17th\u2011century canvas donated by <strong>Count&nbsp;Guido&nbsp;Chigi&nbsp;Saracini<\/strong>. On the main altar stands the statue of Saint&nbsp;Anthony, the contrada\u2019s patron. All religious ceremonies of the contrada take place here: masses for deceased <em>contradaioli<\/em>, the blessing of the horse on Palio day, sometimes weddings of <em>contradaioli<\/em>, and, of course, the services of the titular feast. If you find it open, enter respectfully\u2014contradaioli are proud to show their church and may share anecdotes. Notice the flags and votive candles: for every Palio won the contrada offers an <strong>ex\u2011voto<\/strong> to its saint. The <strong>monture<\/strong> (costumes) used in the historical procession may also be displayed here or in adjacent rooms. It\u2019s worth seeing the mix of sacred and contrada elements: Saint&nbsp;Anthony alongside the Civetta insignia\u2014a distinctly Sienese blend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Museum of the Priora Contrada of the Civetta:<\/strong>&nbsp;This is an unmissable stop. Inaugurated in the 1990s and continually enriched, the museum is housed in evocative rooms of the Castellare and tells the story and soul of the contrada. It contains many treasures. Foremost are the <strong>Palios won<\/strong>\u2014the original drappelloni (banners) won by the Civetta, from the oldest to the most recent. It is thrilling to see them up close: enormous standards painted by famous artists, each marking a year of victory. There are also sacred furnishings from the old church of <strong>San&nbsp;Pietro&nbsp;in&nbsp;Banchi<\/strong>\u2014chalices, reliquaries and vestments\u2014preserved when that church closed. You will find <strong>ancient monture<\/strong>\u2014historical costumes worn in the procession (some date back to the 19th&nbsp;century and are finely hand\u2011embroidered)\u2014as well as paintings, sculptures and ceramics belonging to the contrada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An entire section is dedicated to a surprising archaeological collection of <strong>majolica<\/strong>: plates, jugs and crockery from the 13th to 18th&nbsp;centuries, uncovered by excavating a refuse pit in the Castellare. These finds show what ceramics used to be like in old Siena\u2014offering a glimpse of medieval daily life. Curious visitors will notice that some 14th\u2011century plates already had \u201cmodern\u201d shapes with a central depression\u2014anticipating nouvelle cuisine, as some joke!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also various memorabilia: old photographs of victories, flags frayed by time, drums, the <strong>masgalano<\/strong> (prize for the best procession), documents and even historic film footage. Particularly exciting is the section dedicated to the <strong>stable<\/strong>: an internal window in the museum looks onto the contrada\u2019s horse stable\u2014the small space where the horse assigned to the Civetta is kept during Palio days. This space is considered sacred and inviolable; especially on race days no one may enter except the <strong>barbaresco<\/strong> who cares for the horse. Seeing the stable\u2014even empty, with straw and tack ready\u2014helps one understand how important the horse is to the <em>contradaioli<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the museum houses the stone <strong>she\u2011wolf<\/strong> from around&nbsp;1470, mentioned earlier, which came from Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei. It stands on proud display and represents a tangible link between Siena\u2019s history and the contrada. The museum also contains contemporary works, such as flags painted by modern artists and trophies from inter\u2011contrada competitions. Everything is presented with care: enthusiastic guides\u2014often volunteer <em>contradaioli<\/em> like Mr&nbsp;Domenico, the well\u2011known summer custodian\u2014explain every detail, often sharing personal anecdotes of the victories they have witnessed. Children will be captivated by the colours, the period costumes, the drums that they can sometimes try playing, and the race videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum is open mainly during the summer and on Palio occasions. Roughly, from June to August it is open 10:30\u201312:30 in the morning and 16:00\u201318:00 in the afternoon (in recent years there have been openings until 19:00). Admission is usually free, managed by the <em>contradaioli<\/em>, but a small donation is appreciated to support maintenance. Guided tours can also be booked by contacting the contrada via the official website. Typically someone will welcome you and, if it is not crowded, will accompany you room by room; some volunteers speak English and other languages and there are smartphone audio guides for foreign visitors. A visit is highly recommended: it offers an authentic experience, far from tourist crowds, where you feel the pride and passion of Siena for the Palio. Even those who know nothing about the <em>contrade<\/em> will leave enriched and\u2014many reviews say\u2014with shining eyes after understanding why the Palio is so important to the Sienese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, the Contrada della Civetta offers a concentrated yet rich itinerary: in just a few steps you pass from sacred art to popular tradition, from medieval history to the sporting excitement of the Palio. Everything is family\u2011friendly: distances are short\u2014perfect for children who tire easily\u2014and there is always something visual or curious to capture their attention, whether a coat of arms with an owl, a drum to try, or a wooden hobby horse to play on in the Castellare courtyard during a dinner. Nearby, being in the centre, there are plenty of bars for gelato and shops selling Sienese sweets (ricciarelli and panforte) if you want a tasty break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walking itinerary from Hotel&nbsp;Minerva to the Civetta sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those staying at Hotel Minerva or arriving from Via&nbsp;Garibaldi\/the station, here is a simple walking itinerary to explore the Contrada della Civetta in a logical order. In total it is less than 2&nbsp;km and can easily be done in half a day at a relaxed pace, including stops and a museum visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step&nbsp;1: From Hotel&nbsp;Minerva to Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei (gateway to the Civetta)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"19157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-759x1024.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-768x1036.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-1000x1349.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503-700x944.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20241130_113503.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-001-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-015-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"15726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Camere-Hotel-Minerva-022-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"1510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere Elegant Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-1510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-002-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Camere-Elegant-Vista-Hotel-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Camere con Vista Hotel Siena Centro\" class=\"wp-image-656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Hotel-Vista-Siena-Centro-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" data-id=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Camere-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the hotel at Via&nbsp;Garibaldi&nbsp;72, turn right and head up towards the historic centre. In about <strong>five to seven minutes<\/strong> you will reach <strong>Piazza&nbsp;Salimbeni<\/strong>, recognisable by its elegant palace and central statue. Continue straight along <strong>Via&nbsp;Banchi&nbsp;di&nbsp;Sopra<\/strong>, the main street. After another three minutes walking under medieval arcades, the road opens into <strong>Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei<\/strong>\u2014you have arrived! Here you stand on the border between two <em>contrade<\/em>: the side facing <strong>Palazzo&nbsp;Tolomei<\/strong> is Civetta, while the opposite side beyond Via&nbsp;di&nbsp;Citt\u00e0 is <strong>Pantera<\/strong>. Take a moment to admire Palazzo&nbsp;Tolomei and the <strong>Church of San&nbsp;Cristoforo<\/strong>. If the church is open, step inside\u2014it is simple but historic. In front of the church, look for the column with the she\u2011wolf; tell your children the legend of <strong>Senio and Ascanio<\/strong> and how the she\u2011wolf arrived in Siena. Take a family photo with the column and Palazzo&nbsp;Tolomei as a backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step&nbsp;2: Vicolo della Torre and Castellare degli Ugurgieri<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei, take <strong>Vicolo di San&nbsp;Pietro<\/strong> (a small lane next to the Church of San&nbsp;Cristoforo) or <strong>Vicolo della Torre<\/strong>, which both lead into the quarter. In a minute you will find yourself on <strong>Via&nbsp;di&nbsp;Calzoleria<\/strong> and then <strong>Vicolo del Castellare<\/strong>. This lane is very narrow and atmospheric; you will see the sign \u201cVicolo del Castellare\u201d and probably some black\u2011and\u2011red flags if there is a festive air. Enter the <strong>Castellare degli Ugurgieri<\/strong> courtyard\u2014Step&nbsp;2 achieved! Take time to explore: on the left is the entrance to the oratory (possibly closed, but notice the portal); on the right the stairs to the contrada headquarters. In the centre is a well. Try clapping your hands or making a sound: the echo resonating between the high walls makes it feel like a castle. If there is a custodian or a <em>contradaiolo<\/em>, greet them with a smile\u2014the Sienese are reserved but proud of their contrada and will gladly share information if they see you are interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step&nbsp;3: Visit the Contrada Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you arrive during opening hours (morning or afternoon) look for the museum entrance in the courtyard. There is usually a door bearing the contrada coat of arms and perhaps a flag. Ring or enter: you will be welcomed and can begin a guided tour. Allow about <strong>30\u201345&nbsp;minutes<\/strong> to see everything. For children this is a fascinating experience\u2014tell them they will see \u201creal banners won in the races, costumes like those in a carnival museum but medieval, and even underground rooms with shells in the rock!\u201d Engage them by having them find the oldest banner (ask which is the oldest Palio on display\u2014perhaps one from the 18th&nbsp;century) or the newest (the 2014 victory). Ask them to spot the owl in each banner painting\u2014it becomes a visual treasure hunt. Don\u2019t forget to point out the stone she\u2011wolf and explain that it once stood in the piazza you visited earlier. If <strong>Domenico<\/strong> or another guide shows you the stable, pay attention to the story of how the horse is pampered during the Palio. On leaving, consider leaving a small donation in the box to support this free museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step&nbsp;4: Baptismal fountain and the surroundings of the Castellare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just outside the museum in the courtyard, look for the <strong>little baptismal fountain<\/strong> (often protected within a niche with a small gate). If it is visible, notice the small owl on top of the column and explain to the children the contrada baptism ritual\u2014perhaps one took place only a few weeks earlier (for example, in June&nbsp;2024, twenty\u2011five new <em>contradaioli<\/em> were baptised here during the feast). Imagine the scene: infants in arms, the blessing, the applause and the names inscribed in the contrada register. It is a good opportunity to reflect on how belonging to a community begins at a very young age in this city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the Castellare, you can take a short walk through the neighbourhood\u2019s side streets. For example, follow <strong>Via&nbsp;Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri<\/strong> to the corner with Via&nbsp;dei&nbsp;Rossi. Along Via&nbsp;Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri look for a plaque dedicated to Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri at number&nbsp;26 (where there is also a small hotel today) or nearby\u2014a slab usually commemorates the poet in Latin or Italian. Opposite you will notice the entrance to the <strong>Teatro dei&nbsp;Rozzi<\/strong>, an historic Sienese academy, although that falls within the territory of the <strong>Lupa<\/strong> contrada (boundaries in the centre intertwine!). Retrace your steps and take a detour along <strong>Via&nbsp;dei&nbsp;Pellegrini<\/strong> and <strong>Vicolo dei&nbsp;Pollaioli<\/strong>; these characteristic lanes, with arches and brick houses, lead you towards <strong>Piazza&nbsp;del Campo<\/strong>, leaving Civetta territory at the border with <strong>Selva<\/strong> and <strong>Oca<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step&nbsp;5: Return towards Hotel&nbsp;Minerva via Piazza&nbsp;Indipendenza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From the Castellare, you can return by a different route. From Via&nbsp;Cecco&nbsp;Angiolieri descend along <strong>Via&nbsp;dei&nbsp;Rossi<\/strong> (in the adjacent <strong>Bruco<\/strong> contrada) to <strong>Piazza&nbsp;Indipendenza<\/strong>. Here you encounter another boundary: on one side of the square you are still in Civetta territory, on the other you are in <strong>Oca<\/strong>. Enjoy the view; before you the <strong>Costarella dei&nbsp;Barbieri<\/strong> descends toward Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo (marking the border with <strong>Selva<\/strong>). From Piazza&nbsp;Indipendenza you can turn into <strong>Via&nbsp;della&nbsp;Sapienza<\/strong> and then into <strong>Via&nbsp;Garibaldi<\/strong> to return to the hotel, completing the loop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This itinerary will have shown you all the highlights of the Priora Contrada of the Civetta in a relaxed way. Naturally, if you are in Siena on Palio days or during festivities, you can adapt the route to attend special events (for example, be in Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo in the evening for the General Trial or follow the victory <em>giro<\/em> if the contrada wins!). At any time of year the Civetta area is enjoyable: less crowded with tourists than other streets and full of stories to discover. Who knows\u2014your children might become so attached to their owl that they cheer for the Civetta in the next Palio!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many Palios has the Civetta won and which ones are they?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over its long history the Contrada della Civetta has achieved <strong>34 official victories<\/strong> in the Palio di Siena. This figure covers victories from the 17th&nbsp;century onward (since 1650, when the city\u2019s official statistics begin). The contrada also remembers older or extraordinary victories, counting <strong>39<\/strong> in its own roll of honour, but according to the official municipal list there are 34 banners (<em>drappelloni<\/em>) won by the Civetta to date. The last was in the <strong>Palio dell\u2019Assunta<\/strong> on <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;2014<\/strong>, won with the horse <strong>Occol\u00e9<\/strong> ridden by jockey <strong>Andrea&nbsp;Mari<\/strong> known as <em>Brio<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s look at the history of these victories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First victory:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Civetta first won the Palio on <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1664<\/strong> (Palio di Provenzano). It was a Palio <em>alla&nbsp;lunga<\/em>\u2014run outside Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo\u2014and is recorded as a win by a <strong>loose horse<\/strong> (the jockey fell but the horse finished first). A dramatic debut that became legend!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>19th\u2011century golden period:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Civetta enjoyed notable success in the 1800s, especially thanks to the jockey <strong>Luigi&nbsp;Menghetti<\/strong> known as <em>Piaccina<\/em>, who won three Palios in a row in <strong>1811\u20131813<\/strong>. In total the contrada collected <strong>15 victories<\/strong> in the 19th&nbsp;century, making it one of the most successful contrade of the time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Double wins (cappotti) in 1761 and 1778:<\/strong>&nbsp;Achieving a <strong>cappotto<\/strong> means winning both July and August races in the same year. The Civetta managed this twice: in <strong>1761<\/strong> (winning both 2&nbsp;July and 16&nbsp;August) and in <strong>1778<\/strong> (winning the extraordinary Palio on 17&nbsp;August after winning on 2&nbsp;July). Few contrade can boast multiple cappotti; the Civetta\u2019s double victories show how competitive it was in those years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The long wait of the 20th&nbsp;century:<\/strong>&nbsp;In the 1900s the Civetta initially amassed <strong>five victories<\/strong> up to <strong>1949<\/strong> (with legendary jockeys such as <strong>Primo&nbsp;Arzilli<\/strong> known as <em>Il&nbsp;Biondo<\/em>, winner in 1945, 1947 and 1949). A long drought followed: between 1949 and 1976 the contrada won nothing. The spell was broken by the famed jockey <strong>Andrea&nbsp;Degortes<\/strong> known as <em>Aceto<\/em> in <strong>1976<\/strong>. After a victory in <strong>1979<\/strong> with <strong>Tremoto<\/strong> on <strong>Quebel<\/strong>, another dry spell began and lasted <strong>30&nbsp;years<\/strong>. For this reason the Civetta was jokingly called the <strong>\u201cnonna\u201d<\/strong>\u2014the contrada that had not won for the longest time. The drought finally ended in <strong>2009<\/strong>, when the Civetta triumphed again, followed by the victory of <strong>2014<\/strong>. These recent successes revived Civetta pride and removed the \u201cnonna\u201d label.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">List of victories by century<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The following summary lists the Civetta\u2019s Palio victories by century, with dates and brief notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Century<\/th><th>Civetta victories (date and note)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>17th&nbsp;century (1600\u20131699)<\/strong><\/td><td>2&nbsp;victories: <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1664<\/strong> (loose horse), <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1699<\/strong> (jockey Santino).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>18th&nbsp;century (1700\u20131799)<\/strong><\/td><td>7&nbsp;victories: <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1727<\/strong>; <strong>1761<\/strong> (double: 2&nbsp;July and 16&nbsp;August); <strong>1778<\/strong> (double: 2&nbsp;July and 17&nbsp;August); <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1780<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1789<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>19th&nbsp;century (1800\u20131899)<\/strong><\/td><td>15&nbsp;victories: <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1811<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1812<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1813<\/strong>; <strong>30&nbsp;March&nbsp;1819<\/strong> (extraordinary spring Palio); <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1828<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1830<\/strong>; <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1838<\/strong>; <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1840<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1846<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1856<\/strong>; <strong>17&nbsp;August&nbsp;1869<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1876<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1884<\/strong>; <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1888<\/strong>; <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1893<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>20th&nbsp;century (1900\u20131999)<\/strong><\/td><td>8&nbsp;victories: <strong>2&nbsp;July&nbsp;1934<\/strong>; <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1937<\/strong>; <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1945<\/strong> (extraordinary Palio for the liberation of Siena); <strong>18&nbsp;May&nbsp;1947<\/strong> (extraordinary Palio); <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;1949<\/strong>; <strong>4&nbsp;September&nbsp;1960<\/strong> (extraordinary Palio for the centenary of Italian unity); <strong>18&nbsp;August&nbsp;1976<\/strong>; <strong>4&nbsp;July&nbsp;1979<\/strong> (Palio dell\u2019Assunta postponed by one day due to rain).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>21st&nbsp;century (2000\u2013present)<\/strong><\/td><td>2&nbsp;victories: <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;2009<\/strong> (jockey Brio on <strong>Istriceddu<\/strong>); <strong>16&nbsp;August&nbsp;2014<\/strong> (jockey Brio on <strong>Occol\u00e8<\/strong>).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> The dates <strong>2&nbsp;July<\/strong> correspond to the <strong>Palio di&nbsp;Provenzano<\/strong> (in honour of the Madonna of Provenzano), which is run every 2&nbsp;July. Dates <strong>16&nbsp;August<\/strong> (or 17\/18 in certain extraordinary cases) correspond to the <strong>Palio dell\u2019Assunta<\/strong> (in honour of the Assumption of the Madonna), the traditional mid\u2011August race. Unusual dates such as <strong>30&nbsp;March&nbsp;1819<\/strong>, <strong>18&nbsp;May&nbsp;1947<\/strong> and <strong>4&nbsp;September&nbsp;1960<\/strong> indicate extraordinary Palios held for special celebrations. In the 20th&nbsp;century the Civetta benefited from several extraordinary Palios, increasing its haul. For example, the Palio of 1945 celebrated the end of the Second World War and the Liberation: the Civetta won that special race, and in the museum you can see the liberation flag that greeted the Allies entering Siena on <strong>3&nbsp;July&nbsp;1944<\/strong>\u2014a piece of national and contrada history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparison with other contrade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong>34<\/strong> victories the Civetta sits roughly in the middle of Siena\u2019s <em>contrade<\/em> rankings. It is not among the most victorious overall\u2014contrade like <strong>Oca<\/strong>, <strong>Onda<\/strong> and <strong>Chiocciola<\/strong> have more wins\u2014but it boasts a respectable record enriched by two double wins and victories at symbolic moments (such as the liberation after World War&nbsp;II). The <em>contradaioli<\/em> are proud of this and guard each banner with devotion. The last victory in <strong>2014<\/strong> is still fresh in memory; if you visit the quarter you may see photos of that race in contrada bars or hear people talk about it enthusiastically, hoping to repeat the feat soon. In the Palio no victory is ever definitive: the glory of the last win lasts until the next, and the Civetta is always hungry for new successes\u2014much like an owl that keeps its eyes open at night in search of prey (metaphorically, the banner!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: the experience of a family in the Civetta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting the <strong>Priora Contrada della Civetta<\/strong> is much more than seeing monuments\u2014it means entering the soul of Siena. In this small corner of the city, starting from the welcoming Hotel&nbsp;Minerva that served as your base, you will have discovered a living community with its rituals, stories and genuine hospitality. For a family the experience can be truly enriching: children learn while having fun\u2014in unusual museums and through tales of owls, horses and riders\u2014while parents appreciate the art, history and also good food if they take part in a contrada dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions you might have<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can we watch a trial run of the Palio or enter the contrada during the Palio?<\/strong><br>Yes. The Palio trials\u2014morning and evening on <strong>29\u201330&nbsp;June and 1&nbsp;July<\/strong>, or <strong>13\u201315&nbsp;August<\/strong>\u2014are public and free in <strong>Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo<\/strong>. If the Civetta is racing, you will recognise its colours and can cheer for it. To get into the atmosphere you can go to the <strong>Castellare<\/strong> courtyard before a trial: you will see the <em>contradaioli<\/em> gathering, the jockey putting on the jacket with the Civetta emblem, and the horse being escorted out\u2014it is very exciting. Always respect the <em>contradaioli\u2019s<\/em> instructions, especially at tense moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is it permitted to buy souvenirs or a Civetta scarf?<\/strong><br>Yes. Each contrada usually sells its gadgets and flags at its headquarters or during events. You can ask for the <strong>economo<\/strong> (person in charge of merchandise). A black\u2011and\u2011red Civetta scarf with a golden owl can be a fantastic souvenir for children\u2014but remember that in Siena wearing a contrada scarf implies supporting that contrada, so avoid wearing it when entering a rival territory during the Palio. Alternatively, you can buy flags, pins or T\u2011shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can we take part in a contrada dinner?<\/strong><br>If you are in Siena at the right time and have contacts, yes. The dinner after the General Trial sometimes sells tickets to visitors (there are information points in Piazza&nbsp;del&nbsp;Campo on Palio days). Or if you are in Siena outside Palio season but during a feast\u2014such as the <strong>titular feast in June<\/strong>\u2014you can go to the contrada and ask if the dinner is open to outsiders. The <em>contradaioli<\/em> often welcome guests, seat them and perhaps explain the traditional songs. It is a very authentic experience: imagine dining by candlelight in a medieval lane with hundreds of Sienese singing the Civetta anthem and toasting \u201cCivetta!&nbsp;Civetta!\u201d\u2014such moments remain in the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, the Contrada della Civetta shows how a modern city still lives on ancient traditions. Leaving the places you have visited\u2014the Castellare, Piazza&nbsp;Tolomei, the museum\u2014you take with you a piece of Siena. Perhaps the next time you watch the Palio on TV, you will cheer for that small yet great owl that \u201csees in the night\u201d. Have a good journey through history and emotions, and long live the Civetta!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Siena is a unique city in the world, divided into seventeen historic contrade\u2014small communities that have handed down traditions,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22129","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Contrada della Civetta: history, traditions, museum and Palios won - Hotel Minerva Siena<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albergominerva.it\/en\/contrada-della-civetta-history-traditions-museum-and-palios-won\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Contrada della Civetta: history, traditions, museum and Palios won - 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