One of the most famous horse races in Italy, the Palio di Siena is held twice each year on 2 July and 16 August. The origins of this race date back to medieval times with the first modern Palio taking place in 1656. The race takes place with ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colours representing ten of the seventeen contrade, or city wards, where the riders circle three times around the Piazza del Campo, one of the symbols of Siena. The race is preceded by a magnificent pageant, the Corteo Storico, which includes (among many others) Alfieri, flag-wavers, in medieval costumes.

To stay in Tuscany during the Palio opens up a wealth of authentic experiences to those looking to explore this historically rich area. Castel Monastero offers its guests the unique opportunity to experience the Palio from a truly exclusive position – from the windows of one of the most beautiful apartments overlooking the square.

Back in the 11th century Castel Monastero was a monastery surrounded by the peace and quiet of the hills on the outskirts of Siena before it transformed into a castle. As a castle it became the country residence of the noble Chigi family and later a romantic hamlet in the Tuscan countryside. The glorious past of Castel Monastero, today a luxury resort just a few kilometres from Siena, can be experienced all year round. You enter passing through the walls that protect the ancient hamlet and stand in the square lined with splendid buildings. Then step into any of the rooms or suites, or the wonderful detached villa, and revel in the charm, colours and style of real Tuscany.

Castel Monastero houses two gourmet restaurants “Contrada” and “La Cantina” both under the aegis of 10 Michelin star Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Completing the pleasure of a stay at Castel Monastero is the tearoom in the spa with its infusions of aromatic herbs grown on the estate and a wine bar in which the best aperitifs and the most famous labels of Tuscan wines may be sampled.

Castel Monastero Total Management package includes:

Accommodation in the selected room type (minimum 3 nights)
Buffet breakfast
Welcome amenity in your room on arrival
One traditional dinner for two in the restaurant (Castel Monastero wine selection included)
Return transfer to Siena from Castel Monastero on the day of the Palio
A window space overlooking the Piazza del Campo
Cocktails and refreshments during the afternoon
At the end of the event, a light buffet dinner with a selection of local specialties
One Spa treatment per person (50 min. face or body), chosen on the advice of the expert SPA staff
Access to the Acqua Benessere indoor water area of the Spa: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, swimming pool with toning hydromassage, swimming pool with a high saline density for a relaxing, draining effect, Kneipp program, sensorial showers with chromo therapy and natural essences, relax area

Loc. Monastero D’Ombrone, 19, Castelnuovo Berardenga SI, Italy

For further information please contact your Account Manager