Piazza di Siena – CSIO Rome

An icon of world equestrianism in the heart of Rome

Piazza di Siena is much more than just a show jumping competition: it is a symbol of international equestrian sport and one of the most elegant events on the Roman calendar. Every year in late May, the famous Galoppatoio of Villa Borghese hosts the CSIO Rome (Official International Horse Show), a five-star event in the world rankings that brings the world's best horse-and-rider pairs to the capital. The setting is unique: a grassy oval nestled among the ancient pine trees of Rome's largest historic park, in the Lazio region, just a short walk from Villa Giulia and the Galleria Borghese.

A century of history

The competition traces its roots back to 1922, and it has officially appeared on the International Equestrian Federation calendar since 1926: the 2026 edition thus celebrates the centenary of this continuous presence among the world's great sporting events. Legends of Italian equestrianism, from brothers Raimondo and Piero d'Inzeo to Graziano Mancinelli, have competed on this turf, and to this day, Piazza di Siena remains a victory every rider dreams of achieving at least once in their career.

Key competitions

The sporting program alternates between top-level national and international events. The two most anticipated moments are:

• Intesa Sanpaolo Nations Cup: the team competition where national squads compete representing their countries, historically one of the most exciting events on Friday.
• Rolex Rome Grand Prix: the grand finale on Sunday, with a prize pool of 500,000 euros and the world's best riders tackling the event's most challenging course.

The competitions are accompanied by prizes named after historic sponsors, performances by the Italian Air Force's Frecce Tricolori, and a rich calendar of side events that bring the event village to life.

An event open to all

One of the most appreciated aspects of Piazza di Siena is the free admission: the event is designed to be a major popular celebration as well as a sporting one, capable of bringing families, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers closer to the world of horses. Between the grandstands, food stalls, shopping village, and areas dedicated to children, a day at Villa Borghese becomes a complete experience, suspended between sport, nature, and elegance. In recent years, the organization has also focused decisively on environmental sustainability, with low-impact setups and special attention to the park's historic greenery.

Rome and its date with horses

Organized by FISE - the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation together with Sport e Salute, the CSIO Rome is a jewel in the crown of Italian sport and an opportunity to experience the capital in a different light. Attending a competition at Piazza di Siena means immersing yourself in a ritual that combines sporting tradition, the beauty of the Roman landscape, and the thrill of high-level international competition.