Where to Buy Palio Flags
 

I recall reading on this forum that a fodorite purchased replica Palio flags as a souvenir, however, after numerous search attempt I cannot relocate.

Does anyone know where to find representative flags of the various regions, other than Siena. I plan on a day trip to Orvieto from Rome and wonder if I may be able to see any here.

Thanks.

The Palio flags represent the different neighborhoods of Siena, not regions of Italy. I'm guessing it would be hard to buy these flags outside of Siena, but I could be wrong. I've never seen them sold in any other town.

Thank you Jean,

You could very well be correct. For some reason, perhaps because of it commemorating the warring of factions, this was regional. I guess in those days, neighborhoods were regional enough. You are probably very correct in guessing that they may only be available in Siena, but I thought they may not be. Thanks.

Any one else.

Jean is right: The Palio flags are actually called "bandiere delle contrade" or "flags of the contradas," a contrada being one of 17 (I think) neighborhoods in Siena. The Sienese take their contrade very seriously: shortly after a child is born, he or she is officially "inducted" into the contrada at a ceremony with a band and men in costume waving and spinning the contrada flag. I know, because I happened on one of these ceremonies once in Siena.

I would doubt very much that the flags would be available anywhere except in Siena.