Contrada della Chiocciola, Medieval district territory in Siena, Italy
The Contrada della Chiocciola is a medieval neighborhood in Siena with a silver badge showing a snail surrounded by red roses and letters U and M. The district center sits on Via San Marco with headquarters and a museum housed in the main building, while horse stables stand nearby for the racing animals.
The neighborhood received its oratory in 1814, built on the foundation of a 14th-century monastery that once housed nuns dedicated to St. Paul. This religious building became the core of the modern district and continues to define its center.
The neighborhood participates in the Palio horse race twice a year, where residents wear yellow and red clothing with light blue trim to show their pride. Members gather in their meeting spaces year-round to celebrate traditions and maintain connections to this community identity.
The district is easy to navigate, with the main museum building at Via San Marco 31 and the horse stables nearby at number 62. Visitors can explore the area on foot and find key locations easily by following this main street.
A special fountain created by sculptor Fulvio Corsini in 1947 bears an inscription promising to pour wine when the district wins its races. This unusual landmark remains largely unknown to casual visitors passing through the neighborhood.
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