Piacenza

<< Emilia-Romagna

Piacenza is a city located at the western edge of Emilia-Romagna, near the river Po and the border with Lombardy. The city was founded by the Romans, and it remained an important center throughout the Middle Ages, becoming the seat of a Lombard duchy and later a free comune. Piacenza flourished during this time, gaining control over various territories, but it was ultimately captured by the Visconti family of Milan. After a period of political turmoil, it joined the newly independent Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. The city declined during the following centuries, and finally it became part of Italy during the unification of the country. Today Piacenza is a major agricultural and industrial center, linking Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The city is also notable for its cultural heritage, which blends the characteristics of all the neighboring regions.

✪ Piazza dei Cavalli

Piazza dei Cavalli (“Horses’ Square”) is the main square of Piacenza. The square features Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo Gotico), the medieval town hall of Piacenza and a great example of Gothic architecture from the 13th century. The historic palace features rich decorations and it is considered a symbol of the city. The opposite side is occupied by the Neoclassical Palazzo del Governatore, while the Gothic Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi stands on the southeast. The square is adorned with two 17th-century bronze equestrian statues known as Cavalli del Mochi, from which it takes its name.

✪ Piacenza Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina)

The Piacenza Cathedral (Duomo di Piacenza) is the main religious site of Piacenza and one of the greatest works of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. Built between the 12th and 13th century, it features a beautifully decorated facade, a tall bell tower, and a crypt. The interior of the church is adorned with medieval frescoes ans various historic artworks. A museum of religious artworks stands behind the Cathedral.

✪ Palazzo Farnese

Palazzo Farnese is a Renaissance palace built over a previous fortress, which now hosts a museum complex. The palace hosts an art gallery, an exhibition of historic weapons and carriages, and a museum on the Italian Risorgimento, along with frescoes, sculptures, ceramics, and more. The archaeological collection of Palazzo Farnese includes the Etruscan artifact known as Liver of Piacenza (Fegato di Piacenza).

Basilica of Sant’Antonino

The Basilica of Sant’Antonino is an ancient Romanesque church, which can trace its origins in the 4th century. Rebuilt and reworked several times, the current structure was erected in the Late Middle Ages. A great example of Romanesque architecture, it is topped by an octagonal bell tower and it houses various artworks and frescoes.

Ricci Oddi Gallery of Modern Art

The Ricci Oddi Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d’Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi) is an interesting collection of modern artworks in Piacenza. The museum houses numerous works from the 19th and 20th century, mostly from Italian artists.

Basilica of San Savino

The Basilica of San Savino is a church built during the Middle Ages, with the current structure dating from the 12th century, and later heavily reworked. The church houses a few artworks and relics but it is mostly notable thanks to the medieval mosaics that adorn its crypt.

Church of San Sisto

The Church of San Sisto is a Renaissance church in Piacenza, adorned with a Mannerist facade and decorated interiors. This is the original site of the famous Sistine Madonna (Madonna Sistina) by Raphael, which was later moved to Dresden, in Germany. The church now houses a copy of the painting.

Basilica of Santa Maria di Campagna

The Basilica of Santa Maria di Campagna is 16th-century church on the western side of Piacenza. The Basilica is richly adorned with numerous artworks and decorations, among which is the impressive fresco occupying the interior of the dome.

Collegio Alberoni

Collegio Alberoni is an 18th-century religious complex located at the outskirts of Piacenza. The area houses a seminary and an art gallery with Renaissance and Modern artworks, along with a museum of natural history.