Piacenza, a city located in the heart of the Po Valley and at the crossroads of Emilia, Lombardy, and Liguria, boasts a thousand-year history rooted in Roman times and was, for a brief period, honored with the title of the 'First Capital of Italy' (1848). The city is an elegant treasure chest of Renaissance art and Medieval architecture, with a historic center that unfolds around the majestic Piazza Cavalli. Its position along the Via Francigena made it historically important, and today it is the ideal starting point for exploring the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza and the nearby river valleys (Val Trebbia, Val Tidone). Piacenza is the perfect destination for those seeking a stay in a luxury or charming hotel, combining culture with Emilian gastronomic excellence.

What to See and Our Local Experts' Favorite Spots: Palaces, Domes, and Masterpieces

• Piazza Cavalli – The city's living room, dominated by the Gothic Palace (Palazzo Gotico) and the two famous bronze equestrian statues of Alessandro and Ranuccio Farnese, works by Mochi.
• Piacenza Cathedral (Duomo di Piacenza) – Magnificent Romanesque cathedral with a dome frescoed by Guercino and works by Pordenone and Carracci.
• Palazzo Farnese – Imposing (unfinished) Renaissance palace, home to the Civic Museums and the Carriage Museum (Museo delle Carrozze).
• Ricci Oddi Modern Art Gallery (Galleria d'Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi) – Houses a valuable collection of Italian and foreign painting, including the work 'Portrait of a Lady' by Gustav Klimt.

Gastronomy: What to Taste

• The Piacenza DOP Cured Meats (Salumi Piacentini) – Coppa, salame, and pancetta, unique in Italy for having obtained the DOP recognition for all three.
• Pisarei e Fasò – Small gnocchi made of flour and breadcrumbs served with a bean sauce, a symbolic dish of Piacenza cuisine.
• Anolini in Brodo – Typical stuffed pasta, essential on holiday tables.
• Piacenza Hills DOC Wines (Colli Piacentini) – Gutturnio (sparkling red) and Ortrugo (dry white), perfect pairings with cured meats and first courses.

Events, Experiences, and Excursions

• Piacenza Jazz Fest – Important music festival held in the spring.
• Castle Route (Percorso dei Castelli) – Excursions to the nearby castles of Castell'Arquato, Vigoleno, and Grazzano Visconti, rich in history and charm.
• Navigation on the Po River – River experiences to admire the great river.
• The Way of St. Augustine (Cammino di Sant'Agostino) – Piacenza is a stage on an important spiritual itinerary.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Piacenza
• Official Tourism Website Province of Piacenza

Top 3 Luxury Accommodations Recommended by Our Travel Designers

• Grande Albergo Roma – Historic hotel in the center, combining elegance and high-level services.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Farnese International – Modern structure with luxury services, in a strategic position.
• Relais Tenuta Santa Elisabetta (nearby) – Charming residence in the hills, ideal for a peaceful stay.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Ristorante Nido del Picchio (Carpaneto Piacentino - Michelin Star) – For a refined gastronomic experience with revisited local cuisine.
• Antica Trattoria Il Burchio – To taste typical Piacenza dishes in a traditional setting.
• Trattoria La Pireina – Known for home cooking and excellent value for money.