The Contrada della Selva occupies the Vallepiatta quarter, in the Terzo di Città. Its emblem is a rhinoceros standing beneath a leafy oak hung with hunting trophies, surmounted by a radiant sun; its motto is Prima Selvalta in Campo. The traditional trade of the district was weaving (tessitori), and its colours are orange and green with white.
Identity
The Selva sits in the Terzo di Città; its società is the Società Rinoceronte, and it has no declared rival.
Patron and feast
The contrada's titolare is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assunzione). Liturgical feast: 15 August. Festa Titolare: the fourth Sunday of August. Annual programme: published each year. The contrada's church is the Oratory of San Sebastiano in Vallepiatta, whose crypt houses the museum.
Museum and what to see
The Museo della Contrada della Selva, at Piazzetta della Selva 5, holds the contrada's drappelloni, monture, flags and drums, and sacred furnishings, with painted scenic backdrops by Ezio Pollai and Fabio Centi. Among the oratory's works is a terracotta high relief, the Madonna Mater Misericordiae, attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini (c. 1474); the oratory also holds paintings of the 17th century, including an Epifania by Astolfo Petrazzi and a Crocifissione by Rutilio Manetti. Visits are available by reservation or during announced special openings.
Practical information
Terzo — Città. Church — Oratory of San Sebastiano in Vallepiatta. Società — Società Rinoceronte (Via Vallepiatta 26). Rival — none declared. Official site — contradadellaselva.it.