This world-famous horse race takes place in Siena’s Piazza del Campo every year on July 2nd and August 16th. The bareback race, featuring rival racers from the various Sienese "contrade", or city districts, dates back to Medieval times. The atmosphere throughout the city is already very festive a couple of weeks before the race and so even if you can’t attend the actual race, you can enjoy the ambiance in advance.