Museo Della Contrada Del Leocorno

Museo della Contrada del Leocorno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Siena’s Living Heritage

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the medieval heart of Siena, the Museo della Contrada del Leocorno offers a rare, immersive look into the city’s storied Contrade tradition. The Contrada del Leocorno—one of Siena’s seventeen historic districts—stands out for its legendary unicorn emblem, deep-rooted community spirit, and active role in the iconic Palio di Siena horse race. This guide presents detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and the museum’s unique collections, while placing the experience within the broader context of Siena’s cultural and historical landscape (ilpalio.siena.it; visittuscany.com).

The Contrada del Leocorno: Origins and Identity
The Palio di Siena and the Contrada’s Role
Museo della Contrada del Leocorno: Visiting Hours and Tickets
Museum Exhibits: Artifacts and Artistic Heritage
The Oratory of San Giovannino della Staffa
Accessibility, Directions, and Visitor Tips
The Contrada Museum Network: Exploring Siena
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

The Contrada del Leocorno: Origins and Identity

The Contrada del Leocorno’s roots stretch back to Siena’s medieval period. Originally known as “Leopardo” (leopard) and “Stella” (star), it adopted the unicorn as its emblem—a symbol of purity, strength, and healing. The unicorn motif reflects both ancient mythological and celestial associations, notably with the planet Mercury, and is depicted in the Contrada’s colors: white and orange bordered with light blue.

The Contrada’s historic territory is centered around Via di Pantaneto and is marked by medieval architecture, including fortress-houses of the Pagliaresi, Cauli, and Guastalloni families, as well as the Palazzo Malavolti. The Contrada’s headquarters and oratory are integral to its social and religious life, serving as gathering spaces for generations of contradaioli (Contrada members) (ilpalio.siena.it).

The Palio di Siena and the Contrada’s Role

The Contrada del Leocorno is a vibrant participant in the Palio di Siena, the twice-yearly horse race held in Piazza del Campo. The Palio is not merely a sporting event, but the culmination of centuries-old rivalries, alliances, and community rituals among Siena’s Contrade. The Leocorno’s unicorn banners, costumes, and colors are proudly displayed during the elaborate Corteo Storico parade and the race itself, and the Contrada honors its patron, Saint John the Baptist, with annual festivities (enjoytuscany.it; ilpalio.siena.it).

Museo della Contrada del Leocorno: Visiting Hours and Tickets

Location and Setting

The Museo della Contrada del Leocorno is located at Via di Follonica 31, with additional access via the Oratory in Piazzetta Virgilio Grassi—an area rich in medieval atmosphere and central to Siena’s historic core (visittuscany.com).

Visiting Hours (as of June 2025)

Monday to Thursday: 16:00–18:30 (no reservation required)
Friday: 10:00–12:30 & 16:00–18:30 (no reservation required)
Saturday: 10:00–12:30 & 16:00–19:00 (no reservation required)
Sunday and weekday mornings (except Friday): By reservation only (reserve at least two days in advance)

Note: Hours may vary during Palio events or special occasions—always check the official website for up-to-date details.

Admission and Tours

Admission: Entry is by free donation (“offerta libera”), making the museum accessible to all.
Guided Tours: Led by Contrada members, tours offer deep insights into the exhibits and traditions. English-speaking guides can be arranged upon request.

Museum Exhibits: Artifacts and Artistic Heritage

The museum safeguards centuries of Contrada heritage, combining tangible artifacts with living community traditions.

Highlights

Palio Banners (Drappelloni): Silk masterpieces awarded for Palio victories, painted by artists like Aldo Piantini (1919), Possenti (1980), and Nespolo (2007).
Masgalani Trophies: Awarded for the best historic parade presentations, reflecting the pageantry of the Palio.
Monture and Costumes: Traditional attire used in Palio processions and festivals, representing evolving Sienese craftsmanship.
Sacred Furnishings: Vestments, processional banners, and liturgical objects from the oratory, signifying the Contrada’s religious roots.
Unique Artifacts: Including a narwhal tooth—believed in the past to be a unicorn horn—and the historic Martinella bell from the Battle of Montaperti in 1260 (Museionline).
Artworks: Paintings from the 17th-century Congregazione degli Artisti and works by artists such as Rutilio and Domenico Manetti, Vanni, Mei, Petrazzi, and Montorselli (Terre di Siena).

The Oratory of San Giovannino della Staffa

Adjoining the museum, the oratory is a treasure trove of sacred art and Sienese devotion:

Artworks: The late 14th-century Madonna della Pace by Francesco di Vannuccio and a polychrome terracotta statue of St. John the Baptist by Giacomo Cozzarelli.
Frescoes: The walls and ceilings are adorned with scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, further enriching the spiritual atmosphere (visittuscany.com).

Accessibility, Directions, and Visitor Tips

Accessibility

While the museum is compact and centrally located, the historic architecture may present challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. Contact the Contrada in advance to discuss specific needs (contradaleocorno.it).

Directions

On Foot: The museum is a short walk from Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.
Public Transport: Central Siena is best explored on foot. Limited parking and public transportation are available nearby.

Visitor Tips

Booking: Required for Sunday and weekday morning visits (except Friday)—book at least two days in advance.
Dress: Modest attire is recommended, especially when entering the oratory.
Photography: Request permission before photographing exhibits.
Respect: These are living community spaces—respect local customs and privacy.
Language: Guided tours are typically in Italian; English tours can be arranged when requested.
Combine Visits: Explore other Contrada museums for a fuller understanding of Siena’s traditions (palazzoravizza.it).

The Contrada Museum Network: Exploring Siena

Siena’s 17 Contrade each maintain their own museums, oratories, and headquarters. Visiting multiple Contrada museums offers a comprehensive perspective on the city’s layered cultural and social fabric (visitsienaofficial.it; visittuscany.com).

Advance Booking: Many Contrada museums require reservations, especially for groups or during busy periods.
Related Sites: Beyond Contrada museums, explore the Museo Civico di Siena, Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia, and Siena Cathedral for a broader view of the city’s heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Museo della Contrada del Leocorno visiting hours?
A: Open Monday–Thursday 16:00–18:30; Friday 10:00–12:30 & 16:00–18:30; Saturday 10:00–12:30 & 16:00–19:00; Sunday and weekday mornings by reservation (contradaleocorno.it).

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, entry is by free donation.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, with advance request.

Q: How can I book a visit?
A: Reserve through the official website or by email at least two days in advance for certain times.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Access may be limited—contact the museum directly to discuss possible arrangements.

Summary and Recommendations

The Museo della Contrada del Leocorno provides an unparalleled window into Siena’s living traditions, artistic excellence, and enduring community spirit. Its rich collections—ranging from Palio banners and historic costumes to sacred art and unique relics—bring to life the Contrada’s pivotal role in the Palio di Siena and the city’s broader cultural landscape.

Strategically located in Siena’s historic center, the museum is easily accessible from major landmarks and is a worthwhile stop on any cultural itinerary. With flexible visiting hours, free donation-based admission, and insightful guided tours, it welcomes history enthusiasts, art lovers, and cultural explorers alike.

For the most current information, consult the Contrada del Leocorno official website, and consider exploring the wider Contrada museum network for a deeper appreciation of Siena’s unique heritage. Enhance your journey with the Audiala app for curated guides, real-time updates, and insider tips.

Sources and Further Reading

Contrada del Leocorno Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide to Siena’s Iconic District (ilpalio.siena.it)
Museo della Contrada del Leocorno: Origins, Collections & Visiting Information (contradaleocorno.it)
Visiting the Museo Della Contrada Del Leocorno: Palio di Siena History, Tickets & Hours (intuscany.net)
Museo della Contrada del Leocorno Visiting Hours, Tickets & Siena Historical Sites Guide (visittuscany.com)
The Contrade of the Palio di Siena: What They Are, Their History & Rivalries (enjoytuscany.it)
Contrada del Leocorno News and Upcoming Events (sienafree.it)
Museionline
Terre di Siena
Visit Siena Official
Palazzo Ravizza