by Tom Paradis (updated 24 April, 2023) Siena's taxi service is extensive for a city of this size, with its web site (in English here) claiming to have 55 vehicles and 60 drivers in service. When walking in or around Siena, they are seemingly everywhere, and many visitors depend on them. The company is part … Continue reading Taxis in Siena: How to Call and What to Expect
Author: Tom Paradis
Tom is Professor of Geography and Urban Planning at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, having moved to the Midwest after 18 years at Northern Arizona University. At NAU he was recognized as a President's Distinguished Teaching Fellow. His teaching and research interests include urban development, historical and cultural landscapes, community and urban design, architectural history, and tourism development. He also teaches a course called Weather, Climate & Society, and an innovative first-year seminar called Unpacking the Hunger Games.
His recent books includes LIVING THE PALIO: A STORY OF COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC LIFE IN SIENA, ITALY (2020 expanded edition) which is available through numerous global retailers. His second, follow-up book about Siena was recently released, UNBRIDLED SPIRIT: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE 2018 EXTRAORDINARY PALIO IN SIENA, ITALY (March 2020). Tom's most recent book takes us away from Siena to the dystopian world of Panem and the Hunger games, in A PLACE CALLED DISTRICT 12: APPALACHIAN GEOGRAPHY AND MUSIC IN THE HUNGER GAMES (available on Amazon and global online retailers). This is the first major book to include interpretations of Suzanne Collins' recent prequel to her Hunger Games series, titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Siena’s Local, Intercity Bus System
(Updated Sept. 21, 2021 for changes to the Siena Mobilita web site.) For those in Siena without a car, the local bus system provides reliable and frequent transportation for neighborhoods both inside and outside the city walls. Since transit systems are largely designed for locals, however, they can confuse even more experienced travelers. This post … Continue reading Siena’s Local, Intercity Bus System
Grocery Stores in Siena’s Historic Center
(Author's note: Updated June 2022 for changes to some stores and owners since 2019. Newer stores have been added.) Finding grocery stores and larger supermarkets in Siena is not always easy or intuitive, though shopping at them provides for a rich cultural experience. These businesses occupy centuries-old buildings in many cases, sometimes revealing unique floor … Continue reading Grocery Stores in Siena’s Historic Center
Regional buses to and from Siena: TOM’S TIPS
(Updated May, 2022 for transition from Tiemme to Autolinee Toscane bus service as of Nov, 2021. Please see my two recent books to learn more about Siena and the Palio: Living the Palio and Unbridled Spirit.) For visitors based in or near Siena, Tuscany's regional bus service (called Autolinee Toscane - formerly Tiemme SPA) provides … Continue reading Regional buses to and from Siena: TOM’S TIPS
Why do the Sienese wear neck scarves?
Excerpt adapted in part from my book, Living the Palio. Panther contradaioli (contrada members) wearing their fazzoletti while walking to the Duomo on the day of the Palio The strongest direct symbol of personal contrada identity is the contrada scarf, or fazzoletto, which is typically worn around one’s neck. Today, as in the past, the … Continue reading Why do the Sienese wear neck scarves?
Daily Schedule of Palio Events
The daily events and rituals associated with the Palio are (usually) on a fixed schedule that is predictable from one Palio to the next. A useful overview of the four days of the Palio is found here: Palio Time Schedules. Here is my own version of the typical schedule (below), based on my personal experiences … Continue reading Daily Schedule of Palio Events
Winning the Palio: the Drappellone
Excerpt adapted from my book, Living the Palio. (It's already written, so I'm happy to share it here.) A few traditions are quite different from US sporting events. The only payout for a victorious contrada is a cloth banner known as the drappellone or palio. The word palio actually holds a dual meaning here—for the … Continue reading Winning the Palio: the Drappellone
Understanding Siena’s 17 Contrade
Exerpt adapted from my book, Living the Palio. (It's already written, so I'm happy to share it here.) The Goose contrada membership enjoying the pre-Palio dinner, the cena della prova generale on July 1, 2018. To understand the Palio race, one should become acquainted to some extent with Siena’s seventeen distinct neighborhoods, known as contrade … Continue reading Understanding Siena’s 17 Contrade
What exactly is the Palio?
Excerpt adapted from my book, Living the Palio (It's already written, so I'm happy to share it here.) The ten horses and jockeys preparing for the start of an evening trial in Piazza del Campo, for the "Extraordinary Palio" of October 2018 Through centuries of successive governments and external influences, Siena’s prized annual horse race, … Continue reading What exactly is the Palio?
Now Available: LIVING THE PALIO (2020)
"The book is great! Easy to read and full of helpful info…Probably the best professional guide book to comprehend the Palio."--Dario Castagno, Tuscan author and expert I'm thrilled to announce that my third (and final) edition of Living the Palio: A Story of Community and Public Life in Siena, Italy is now available on Amazon, … Continue reading Now Available: LIVING THE PALIO (2020)
The Siena Visitor 