The Contrada Sovrana dell'Istrice occupies the Camollia district, along Via Camollia — historically the northern gateway to Siena. Its emblem is a crowned crested porcupine bearing the eight-pointed cross of the Order of Malta, the Savoy knot and the roses of Cyprus. Its motto is Sol per difesa io pungo — "I sting only in defence" — and its colours are white with red, black and blue arabesques.
The sovereign title
The Istrice's Sovrana title was granted in 1980 by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, whose knights had held a seat in Camollia from the 14th century.
Patron and feast
The contrada's titolare is St Bartholomew the Apostle (San Bartolomeo). Liturgical feast: 24 August. Festa Titolare: around the feast. Annual programme: published each year. The contrada's church is dedicated to Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, on Via Camollia, adopted by the contrada in 1788.
Museum and what to see
The Museo della Contrada Sovrana dell'Istrice holds, per the Ministry of Culture, the contrada's palii, monture, arms, silver and sacred vestments; among its works is a 15th-century Madonna col Bambino attributed to Sano di Pietro. Visits are available by reservation or during announced special openings.
Practical information
District — Camollia. Church — Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio (Via Camollia). Società — Circolo 'Il Leone'. Rival — Lupa. Official site — istrice.org.