Piacenza is an ancient city set on the banks of the River Po and surrounded by rolling vineyards. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Piacenza is a hotspot for art, culture and cuisine. Stroll around the picturesque historic centre, visit a fantastic contemporary art gallery and admire a jewel box of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Things to do in Piacenza
All roads lead to the magnificent Piazza Cavalli. A pair of enormous, bronze equestrian statues tower over the piazza and showcase the talent of the famous Baroque sculptor Francesco Mochi. Palazzo Gotico dominates the western side of the plaza and is a feat of medieval architecture.
Admire contemporary works curated by a local art enthusiast at Ricci Oddi Galleria d'Arte Moderna. The collection is housed in a purpose-built gallery and spotlights masters like Amedeo Bocchi, Giovanni Boldini and Umberto Boccioni.
Ornate archways, soaring pillars and a stunning rose window make Piacenza Cathedral classically Romanesque. Dreamy frescoes by luminaries like Guercino and Morazzone decorate the ceiling of the dimly lit cathedral. Sant’Antonino Basilica is another beautiful religious building. Admire the unique, eight-sided tower and step inside to see beautiful 17th-century frescoes.
Rent a bicycle and explore Parco Regionale Adda Sud. The park stretches along the banks of the River Adda and is an important nesting ground for white storks. Trails wind through the park and take you through a mosaic of forests and countryside.
Get lost in Centro Storico, the atmospheric historic centre. Cafes and trattorias spill onto the sidewalks and serve delicious cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region. Try local specialties like “Mortadella Bologna” spicy sausage, “Prosciutto di Parma” ham and fresh tagliatelle pasta topped with handfuls of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Pair your meal with a ruby-hued red from the Colli Piacentini winemaking region.
Getting around Piacenza
Piacenza is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in Centro Storico. The city is in the Emilia-Romagna region, a one-hour drive from Milan and 45 minutes by train. Milan Malpensa Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.