Located in northern Italy, this city on the River Po is known for its delicious cuisine and wines. Its historic center houses medieval churches and Renaissance palaces.
Piacenza, located in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, features architectural landmarks such as the medieval Palazzo Comunale and the Renaissance Palazzo Farnese. In Piazza Cavalli, you can view bronze equestrian statues and explore nearby historic buildings. The city's culinary scene includes local specialties like coppa piacentina and Gutturnio wine, available in its trattorias and wine bars.
Discovering Piazza Cavalli
Piazza Cavalli is the heart of Piacenza's historic district. The square features two bronze equestrian statues of Alessandro and Ranuccio Farnese, created by sculptor Francesco Mochi in the 17th century. The Gothic Palazzo Comunale, also known as Il Gotico, lines one side of the square. Its arched facade and crenellated roofline make it a recognizable part of the city.
Exploring Palazzo Farnese
Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance structure begun in 1568, houses several museums. As you walk through its rooms, you can view collections of ancient weapons and Renaissance paintings. The archaeological museum inside the palace displays the "Liver of Piacenza," a bronze model of a sheep's liver used for divination in Etruscan times.
Visiting the Duomo di Piacenza
The Duomo di Piacenza, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, exemplifies Romanesque architecture in northern Italy. Built between 1122 and 1233, the cathedral's facade combines pink marble and sandstone. Inside, frescoes decorate the dome and mosaic floors detail intricate designs. The crypt holds the remains of Saint Justina, Piacenza's patron saint.
Tasting Piacenza's Local Cuisine
Piacenza's position at the crossroads of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont influences its cuisine. Try local specialties like coppa piacentina, a cured pork neck salami, or pisarei e fasö, a pasta dish with beans. The hills around Piacenza produce wines such as Gutturnio. Enjoy these dishes and wines in traditional trattorias and enotecas in the city center.
Taking Day Trips from Piacenza
From Piacenza, visit the Castelli del Ducato, a network of castles and fortresses that belonged to the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. The medieval town of Castell'Arquato, about 30 kilometers away, has a well-preserved historic center and an 8th-century fortress. For nature, travel to the Trebbia Valley, known for its clear river and scenic landscapes.
Planning Your Visit
Trains connect Piacenza to major cities like Milan (about 1 hour away) and Bologna (2 hours away). Once in Piacenza, walk to most attractions in the city center. Spring and fall have mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making them good times to visit. Summers can be hot, while winters are often cold.
