Thrill of the race
A densely packed crowd gathers to watch a trial run for an event that has captivated visitors to Siena for centuries: the famous Palio bareback horse race.
Every year on July 2 and August 16, almost without fail since the mid-1600s, riders compete around Siena's shell-shaped central square in a bid to win the Palio, a silk banner depicting the Madonna and child.
A communal dinner is held in the Onda (Wave) parish of the city, the night before the big race.
Supporters from the Onda parish crowd around to watch as jockey Luca Minisini and his horse, Ozzastru, are blessed in a local church.
Ozzastru is led through the streets of Siena.
Naike, the horse belonging to jockey Walter Pusceddu from the Istrice (Porcupine) parish, is led along by its carer.
A horse with the Civetta (Little Owl) parish's symbol on it's haunch stands at Del Campo square a few days before the race.
Jockey Sebastiano Murtas from the Nicchio (Shell) parish takes the lead during the fifth of six trial races.
Silvano Mulas (right) from the Pantera (Panther) parish competes, flanked by Andrea Mari of the Lupa (She-wolf) district.
Jockey Giovanni Atzeni (right) of the Oca (Goose) parish looks back as he takes the lead on the big day.
He urges his horse on.
Atzeni celebrates after winning the race.
A supporter embraces Guess, the winning horse, from the Oca (Goose) parish.
