As an ancient and prestigious Roman control centre on the Via Emilia, the city has a very interesting old town with a great variety of monuments. Also particularly varied are the food and wine: the territory of Piacenza, in fact, is renowned for the production of excellent wines, such as Gotturnio and Trebbiano, and other food specialities. There is virtually nothing left of the ancient Roman city, partly because of the Barbarian devastation, while the Renaissance era - under the rule of the Farnese family - contributed significantly to the construction of elegant residential buildings that still characterise Piacenza, including the Palazzo Gotico and the Duomo.
An elegant city where art and history blend perfectly with a centuries-old culinary tradition, Piacenza is a jewel just waiting to be discovered, an ideal destination to spend a few relaxing days. Your tour has to start from Piazza Cavalli, which takes its name from the two equestrian statues dedicated to Ranuccio and Alessandro Farnese. The square is flanked by the Palazzo Comunale (town hall), better known as the Palazzo Gotico, built in 1281, which has become a symbol of the city, and the Palazzo del Governatore (Governor's Palace), in perfect neoclassical style, seat of the governor of the duchy until the unification of Italy. Not far from here you’ll also find other major monuments, including Palazzo Farnese, once a ducal residence and now the seat of the Civic Museums, the Duomo, an important example of Emilian Romanesque architecture, and the Basilica of Sant’Antonino, also Romanesque, which hosts the remains of the patron saint of the city. Further out, north-west west of the old town, the sixteenth-century Basilica of Santa Maria di Campagna is also worth visiting.
As mentioned, Piacenza is primarily about history and architecture. But the city also has a busy cultural life and entertainment scene. The Piacenza Jazz Fest, for example, is one of the main events of the year and is usually held between February and March. The event involves many international musicians including Brad Mehldau, Javier Girotto, Paolo Fresu and Luis Bacalov. In the evening, the city becomes a pleasant place to stroll thanks to the many bars and colourful restaurants that line the central Piazza Cavalli, especially in the summer. You’ll always find something to do during your holidays in Piacenza.
Piacenza is also a gateway to one of the most fascinating tourist and gastronomic itineraries in Emilia-Romagna: the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini (Piacenza Hills Food and Wine Route). On this journey through the four valleys of Piacenza (Tidone, Trebbia, Nure and Arda), you’ll discover the medieval castles, old farm villages and typical produce that have made this strip of land on the border between Emilia and Lombardy so famous. From San Giovanni to Borgonovo, Pianello to Bobbio, Gropparello to Castell’Arquato: this striking tour includes world-famous PDO products, such as Grana Padano, cured meats and excellent wines (white and red). What are you waiting for? Take a look at our holiday packages to Piacenza today and get ready for your next adventure! A unique and unforgettable experience awaits you, among historic monuments, architectural masterpieces and much more besides.