The Piazza di Siena International Horse Show, which will celebrate its centenary in 2026, has won the Italian Tourism Award 2025 in the 'Major Events' category, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. This prestigious accolade recognises the excellence of an event that has become a global benchmark for equestrian sports and a symbol of Italian sporting elegance.

Marco Di Paola, President of FISE, expressed his satisfaction: "This award is the result of teamwork, vision and shared ideals. FISE and Sport e Salute SpA have shown that extraordinary results can only be achieved by joining forces. The idea, conceived in 2018, has transformed Piazza di Siena into a model of sporting excellence, integrating sport with the local area, cultural heritage, and the environment. The 2026 edition will celebrate a unique history while looking to the future with even greater ambition."

The award was collected on December 10^th in the evocative setting of the César Ritz hall at The St. Regis Rome by Simone Perillo, Secretary General of FISE (in the pictures with Gabriella Carlucci), who emphasised the event's international importance. "Piazza di Siena holds the same value in the equestrian sports scene as Wimbledon does in tennis. The forthcoming year will be distinguished by the commemoration of the competition's centennial, a milestone that promises to be a momentous occasion. Thanks to our collaboration with the Municipality, the Region, Sport e Salute and CONI, we are achieving extraordinary results. The mission to leave Villa Borghese more beautiful than it was found is being carried out successfully every year".

The Green Project and Piazza di Siena Legacy

The 'Green Project', launched in 2018, marked a historic turning point in 2025, transforming the Piazza di Siena International Horse Show into a model of sustainability and promotion of the local area, while also achieving record attendance. Thanks to an innovative bio-architecture project and the use of eco-friendly materials, the event has once again become a prime example of the harmony between sport and the environment. Restoring the grass footing in the ‘Ovale’, removing silica sand and programming constant maintaining of te area are just some of the interventions that have given back Piazza di Siena to the city, creating a space that is greener, more beautiful and more usable.

The restoration of the ancient stands, the renovation of the ‘Galoppatoio’ area, and the enhancement of the green spaces are just a few examples of the measures that have transformed Piazza di Siena into a multifunctional space for sports, social gatherings, and cultural events, both for citizens and tourists. As part of this transformation, the event has become a centre for culture and art, hosting exhibitions and initiatives that celebrate Rome's historical and artistic heritage. Ecological projects have also been implemented, such as measures to protect the Oriental Platanes, in order to safeguard the environment and biodiversity.

Thanks to investments made in recent years, Piazza di Siena has become an open-air green gym, available to everyone for sports and recreational activities, while the competition's resources have also been used to restore the ‘Mostra dell'Acqua Felice’ and the historic ‘Fontana dei Pupazzi’.

Piazza di Siena is not just an event, but a project that leaves a lasting legacy, one that goes beyond sporting competition and embraces culture, the environment and the community. As its centenary approaches, the event is preparing to write a new chapter in its history by continuing to combine tradition and innovation with a passion for its host locations.