BOOKS | Luca Venturi

A DECADE OF PASSION

Ten years in the making, this book captures the heart, history, and human spirit of the Palio di Siena through the lens of a passionate Sienese storyteller and member of the 'Contrada del Drago'.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

A new gaze on an ancient story: rare images that reveal the Palio in its most intimate moments, far from the spotlight, where the true heart of Siena beats.

Each frame captured seeks to transcend the race itself and embrace the deeper essence of a celebration that, in both joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, reflects the very soul of the city.

MORE THAT 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING

BOOK DETAILS

• Preface by Dan Winters

• Format: Hardback

• Pages: 176

• Photographs: 115 Black & White images

• Bilingual Edition: English / Italian

• Dimensions: 13.8"×10.4" | 35×26,5cm

• Weight: 1.9 kg | 4,2 lb

• Release date: September 2025

• ISBN: 978-88-942006-5-2

• Prize: € 40

• Printed on high-quality Gardamatt 170gr art paper

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Founder of the Siena Awards Photo Festival and SIPA contest

Luca Venturi

Sienese photographer and member of the 'Contrada del Drago', Luca Venturi has devoted much of his work to the Palio di Siena, capturing its timeless spirit.

His evocative images of the Palio have been featured in leading publications such as National Geographic and The Guardian, and exhibited internationally at events including Visa pour l’Image in Perpignan, Xposure in the UAE, and the Beijing Photo Festival.

"To truly capture and narrate the Palio, you must live it from within and breathe its rhythm — through the heartbeat of your own contrada, its colors, and the sacred pride of belonging. I’m lucky to have the rare privilege of living it that way."

TESTIMONIALS

Melissa Farlow

“This book is visual proof that the power of a photograph can take you to a place in time that is much grander than we could ever imagine.”

Melissa Farlow, American documentary photographer

Adrees Latif

"A stunning body of work — created with immense talent and deep respect and love for the Palio. Each frame captures the soul of Siena, illuminating the enduring history of the celebration. Storytelling at its finest!"

Adrees Latif, American documentary photographer

Randy Olson

“In his dynamic photographs, Luca has captured the heart of this century-old tradition as only a native son can, by freezing moments that endow the images with meaning.”

Randy Olson, American National Geographic photographer

Dan Winters

"With the photographs in this book, Luca has expanded the 90-second maelstrom into a tome that allows us to be present in a way that would not be possible without the photographic process."

Dan Winters, American portrait photographer, filmmaker