On the Via Francigena, one section in Piacenza runs along Via Garibaldi to Piazza Cavalli. There, the monumental Palazzo Gotico and the equestrian statues of the Farnese family shape the scene. This sequence of route and buildings offers an introduction to the city’s architecture—and to art that can be discovered in several museums spanning different periods.
Architecture along the Via Francigena
The Palazzo Gotico is distinguished by pointed arches, multi-part windows and crenellations. These architectural features invite a closer look at its articulated façade. Another section of the Via Francigena leaves Piacenza via San Lazzaro, passing the museum at Collegio Alberoni and a monastery. Along its way out of the city, the route also encounters religious and cultural landmarks.
Art from different centuries
A museum visit in Piacenza brings together the Musei Civici di Palazzo Farnese, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi and the Galleria Alberoni. The Musei Civici are housed in the Visconti citadel and the Farnese building. Its picture gallery displays Sandro Botticelli’s Tondo Madonna adorante il Bambino con S. Giovannino. The Galleria d’Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi offers a different historical perspective: its collection consists mainly of Italian works from 1830 to 1930.
The Galleria Alberoni also offers a glimpse of different art forms. The Nuova Galleria Alberoni houses most of its painting collection, as well as 18 Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Collegio Alberoni preserves Antonello da Messina’s Ecce Homo, works by Flemish artists and paintings by Italian artists of the 17th century. Paintings and tapestries can thus be appreciated as two distinct focuses of the collections preserved there.
Religious collections and a view inside the dome
The Kronos – Museo della Cattedrale displays Codice 65, as well as liturgical objects, paintings, sculptures and furnishings from churches in the diocese. The visit includes a climb to the cathedral dome, where you can view Guercino’s 17th-century frescoes up close. The Museo Capitolare of the Basilica di S. Antonino, in turn, focuses on 15th-century dorsals, 17th- and 18th-century paintings, liturgical objects and choir books from the 14th and 15th centuries. Together, these collections offer different insights into religious art and furnishings.
River landscapes and parks
The Parco Regionale Fluviale del Trebbia stretches from Rivergaro to the confluence with the Po, at the western edge of Piacenza’s urban area. Its landscape combines the Trebbia’s broad gravel and pebble banks with river terraces, grassland and shrub vegetation. Migratory birds find habitats here. The park includes two Natura 2000 sites, designated as a Site of Community Importance and a Special Protection Area, as well as the regional geosite Croara (ID 2029).
At the Centro Visite del Parco del Trebbia in Borgotrebbia, videos, sounds and a range of sensory and emotional elements enhance the interactive visitor experience. Other park landscapes offer their own attractions: Parco Papa Giovanni Paolo II (Galleana) has numerous paths for walking and mountain biking. In the wooded southern section, well-preserved remains of 19th-century Austrian fortifications can be found. Parco di Montecucco has numerous paths, meadows and trees.
Getting around by bike
The Ciclovia del Trebbia starts at Piacenza railway station and passes through the pedestrian zone in the historic city centre. South of Piacenza, it initially follows a protected cycle path, then reaches Gossolengo via a combined cycle and pedestrian path separated from road traffic. The round trip between Piacenza and Rivergaro is about 50 kilometres, with 300 metres of elevation gain, excluding detours. Depending on conditions, the difficulty ranges from low to moderate—a useful indication if you are considering a longer bike ride.
Another regional theme leads to the Colli Piacentini wine-growing area: in the production towns, visitors can taste DOC wines; winemakers open their cellars and guide visitors through the vineyards. Check availability with the individual winery before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Castell'arquato, Vernasca, Russi, Pontenure, Piacenza, Fiorenzuola Dʼarda, Cadeo, Roveleto, Podenzano, Travo, Bolgheri, Folignano, Bettola, Cortemaggiore, Gropparello, Carpaneto Piacentino, Croce, Castelvetro Piacentino, San Pietro In Cerro, Rivergaro, Monticelli D'ongina, Gazzola, Ottone, Rodi, Castel San Giovanni, Ziano Piacentino, Alseno, Ponte Dell'olio, Morfasso, Borgonovo Valtidone, Rustigazzo, Vigoleno, Pecorara, Lugagnano Val D'arda, Agazzano, Gragnano Trebbiense, Vigolzone, Chiaravalle, Ferriere, Perino, San Nazzaro, Tassara, Larzano-castello, Oneto, Nibbiano, Calendasco, Bicchignano, Forno, San Nicolò, Pianello Val Tidone, Quartazzola, Piozzano, Bobbio, Casa Nuova, Caminata.
For the regional travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.
