Piacenza

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PIACENZA, EMILIA ROMAGNA, ITALY - 2009/09/06: Palazzo Gotico at the Piazza Cavalli. Palazzo Comunale, also known as il Gotico, was built in 1281 as the seat of the government of the town. It is one of the best preserved examples of the kind of Medieval civic building in northern Italy known as the Broletto, and is typical of nearby Lombardy. (Photo by Olaf Protze/LightRocket via Getty Images)

LightRocket via Getty Images

Overview

Named 'pleasant place' (Placentia) by the Romans, Piacenza soon proved itself to be an important strategic location as well. Just short of the regional border with Lombardy, the contemporary city is perfect day-trip fodder. Its picturesque centre reveals a beautiful Gothic town hall and a couple of august churches.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Ricci Oddi Galleria d'Arte Moderna

Piacenza

Piacenza’s hidden secret is this modern art collection amassed by local aficionado Ricci Oddi in the early 20th century. Well lit and cleverly laid out…
Duomo

Piacenza

An ultra-dark church even by Italian standards, Piacenza’s cold, dungeonlike cathedral is classic Romanesque. If you can strain your eyes hard enough, you…
Piazza dei Cavalli

Piacenza

Dominated by Palazzo Gotico, the impressive 13th-century town hall, Piacenza's main square is named after its two baroque equestrian statues, cast by the…
Palazzo Farnese

Piacenza

On the northern edge of the centro storico (historic centre), this vast palace was started in 1558 but never fully completed. It now houses Piacenza's…