Piacentino

<< Emilia-Romagna

The Piacentino is the territory of the Province of Piacenza, the westernmost province of Emilia-Romagna. This region is mostly occupied by hills and mountains, that stretch all the way to the border with Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria. Meanwhile, the northern part of the province is part of the Po Valley. Among the various beautiful small towns here, the main attractions can be found in Bobbio.

Bobbio

Bobbio is a small town among the mountains in the Province of Piacenza, near the border with Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria. Founded in ancient times, it emerged as a major religious center in the Early Middle Ages thanks to its powerful abbey. The town was the most important settlement in the area for centuries, and it was influenced by the culture of all the surrounding regions. Over its history, it was ruled by many different powers, finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in the 18th century. After the Italian unification, its territory was initially moved to the Province of Pavia, and then split between Lombardy, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. Bobbio is now a tourist destination thanks to its rich cultural heritage.

✪ Bobbio Abbey

Also known as: Abbey of San Colombano (Abbazia di San Colombano)

The Bobbio Abbey (Abbazia di Bobbio) was founded in 614 by Saint Columbanus. Over the following centuries, the power of this abbey grew with the acquisition of many territories in Northern Italy, becoming the most important religious center in the region, also featuring a rich library. Its power later declined, and the monastery was closed in 1803. The complex now includes a Renaissance church hosting various artworks, mosaics, and relics. The museums located here display exhibitions on local history and religious art, along with a collection of contemporary artworks.

Bobbio Cathedral

The Bobbio Cathedral (Duomo di Bobbio) is a Romanesque church erected starting in the 11th century. The building features both a bell tower and a clock tower, and it houses some ancient decorations and artworks. The Diocesan Museum of Bobbio (Museo Diocesano di Bobbio), which hosts a collection of religious artworks, is adjacent to the Cathedral.

Ponte Gobbo

Also known as: Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Gobbo is an ancient bridge crossing the Trebbia river in Bobbio. Originally built by the Romans, the current structure probably dates from the Early Middle Ages, but it has been reworked and repaired a few times. The bridge is known for its unequal arches and it is regarded as a symbol of Bobbio.

Malaspina-Dal Verme Castle

The Malaspina-Dal Verme Castle is a fortress in Bobbio, erected in the 14th century over previous fortifications, and later expanded. The castle was abandoned for a long time, but now it has been restored and some areas can be visited.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Monte Penice

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Monte Penice is a church of medieval origins located at the summit of Monte Penice, west of Bobbio, at the border between Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. Thanks to its position, it offers a great panoramic view on the surrounding mountains.

Lugagnano Val d’Arda

Lugagnano Val d’Arda is a small town in the hills of the Province of Piacenza, just south of Castell’Arquato. The village has its origins in the Middle Ages, but the ancient Roman town of Veleia was once located in this area.

Archaeological Area of Veleia

Veleia was an ancient Roman town, known at the time for its thermal baths. The settlement later declined and it disappeared before the Middle Ages. Veleia was rediscovered in the 18th century and the excavations have brought to light many ancient objects and inscriptions. Some of the archaeological findings unearthed here are displayed in a small antiquarium.

Castell’Arquato

Castell’Arquato is a small town at the foot of the hills in the Province of Piacenza. During the Middle Ages, the town emerged as an important fortified position and a small lordship. Castell’Arquato was an independent village for a few decades, before joining the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1707. The town still features many historic buildings.

Rocca Viscontea

Rocca Viscontea is a historic medieval fortress built in the 14th century over some previous fortifications. The castle features a well-preserved tower and it hosts a museum displaying the history of Castell’Arquato during the Middle Ages.

Collegiata of Castell’Arquato

The Collegiata is the main church of Castell’Arquato, erected in the 12th century on the site of a previous place of worship. The church was reworked a few times, but it still features many of its medieval characteristics and chapels adorned with ancient frescoes.

Vigoleno

Vigoleno is a fortified medieval hamlet located on top of a hill in the Province of Piacenza, part of the municipality of Vernasca.

Vigoleno Castle

The Vigoleno Castle is a well-preserved fortified complex erected during the Late Middle Ages. The castle includes an ancient church and historic houses, surrounded by imposing walls. Thanks to its position, the fortress also offers great views of the nearby hills.

San Pietro in Cerro

San Pietro in Cerro is a hamlet in the countryside of the Province of Piacenza, best known for its historic fortress.

San Pietro in Cerro Castle

The Castle of San Pietro in Cerro is a fortified palace erected during the 15th century. The fortress hosts the MiM-Museum in Motion, a collection of hundreds of modern and contemporary artworks.

Villanova sull’Arda

Villanova sull’Arda is a tiny town in the countryside of the Province of Piacenza, located close to Busseto.

Villa Verdi

Villa Verdi is the former estate house of composer Giuseppe Verdi, located in the hamlet of Sant’Agata, in the countryside between Villanova d’Arda and Busseto. The villa was built in the 19th century and it still belongs to some members of the Verdi family. Some rooms have been turned into a museum and can be visited, such as the bedroom and the study of the great composer.