Maybe you’ve heard of the Palio of Siena; the world famous horse race set around the city’s central square, but…what about the ‘Bravio’ of Montepulciano?! Let’s discover it with our walking tour! 😉
What will you do
Every year, in a charming and magical medieval atmosphere, an unconventional race takes place in Montepulciano: a barrel race called “Il Bravìo delle Botti”. It’s a competition between the eight districts of the town. They fight over a painted cloth – namely “Il Panno” – by rolling empty wine barrels, weighing about 80 kg each, along an uphill path for over one kilometer. The barrels are pushed by two athletes known as “pushers”, while the route of the race unfolds along the picturesque streets of Montepulciano’s historical city centre, ending in the main Cathedral square “Piazza Grande”.
Together with a ‘contradaiolo’ (a local who is a member of a contrada – district – of the Borgo), you will learn about the history of the Bravìo delle Botti, walking the entire path through the town that is taken by the pushers during the race.
A really interesting experience to learn about the traditions of this village not from just any guide but from those who are part of it and live it every day!
Meeting point
Colonna del Marzocco – No car needed
What is included
Min. / Max. number of participants
Min. 1 / Max. 12 people
Weekly availability
The experience is available according to the availability of the local. Booking in advance is required at least 3 days before
Duration
About 1h30 hour
Only guests who have booked can leave a review.