The Nobile Contrada dell'Oca occupies the Fontebranda valley and the streets around Via di Santa Caterina, in the Terzo di Camollia. It is the contrada of St Catherine of Siena, who was born in its territory; the Santuario and Casa di Santa Caterina stand within its bounds. The emblem is a crowned goose with a blue ribbon (a Savoy royal favour), and the contrada's motto is Clangit ad Arma.
Title and identity
The Oca's Nobile title derives from valour in the contrada's history — the battle of Montemaggio in 1145, and later Montaperti (1260) and the war of Siena (1552–55). Its colours are green and white with red.
Patron and feast
The contrada's titolare is St Catherine of Siena (Santa Caterina da Siena). Liturgical feast: 29 April. Festa Titolare: celebrated in May. Annual programme: published each year. The contrada's oratory, in Fontebranda, is dedicated to St Catherine.
Museum and what to see
The Museo della Nobile Contrada dell'Oca holds the contrada's drappelloni (the oldest dating to 1789), monture, and an 1807 silver reliquary of St Catherine. The contrada is also recorded as having built, at its own expense, part of Siena's bottini — the medieval underground aqueduct. Visits are available by reservation or during announced special openings.
Practical information
Terzo — Camollia. Territory — Fontebranda, Via di Santa Caterina. Società — Trieste. Rival — Torre (no allies). Official site — contradadelloca.it.