Piacenza, Italy: sights, history and interesting facts

The medieval culture of Europe is an interesting and full of deep symbolism for study and observation. The small town of Piacenza (Italy), whose sights mostly belong to the Middle Ages, attract tourists with its atmosphere and a perfectly preserved center. Every year many travelers come here to stroll through the ancient streets and see unique cathedrals. The best vacation time is rest in Piacenza. A guide to Piacenza, interesting facts from its history you will find in this article.

Geographical position

Piacenza is located in the north-west of the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, almost on the border with Lombardy. From the famous settlement of Parma it is only 57 km away. Get here most conveniently from Milan, which is only 60 kilometers from the capital, or from the capital of the region of Bologna, to about 150 km. A small area - about 120 square meters. Km, allows you to see the sights of Piacenza (Italy), whose history is mainly associated with the Middle Ages, for several days. The city is located in a blessed and beautiful land on the banks of the Po River. The province is located in the valleys of the Arda, Nure, Tidone and Trebbiya rivers. Therefore, part of the journey to Piacenza should definitely be devoted to admiring the natural beauties. The landscapes around the city are so magnificent that they involuntarily remind of paradise.

Climate and weather

Piacenza is located in a comfortable zone of mild Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature in Piacenza is about 13 degrees Celsius. The warmest season is summer, which lasts from March to the end of September. The biggest heat is in July, when the thermometer's column rises to an average of plus 25 on average. There are quite a lot of precipitation in the region, especially in October and November, the driest month is February. Excellent climatic conditions allow you to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables here, taking several crops a year. Also the region is famous for its grapes and wines.

The birth of the city

Centuries-long path Piacenza is full of significant events, in which its inhabitants have always shown extraordinary courage and heroism. In 218 BC, the Romans created the city of Placencia, which became the progenitor of modern Piacenza. For the Roman Empire, the city was needed as a defensive fortress for defense against the invaders of the northern territories. Piacenza was originally conceived as a city-fortress. A year after the appearance of the placenta, it is necessary to repel the attacks of the conquerors. The soldiers of the city heroically were able to withstand the siege of the great army of Hannibal. The second siege, which the locals could endure, was the attack of the Hasdrubal army. However, at the end of the 2nd century the city was captured and ruined by Gauls.

The Roman period

A little later Placencia was made the capital of the 53rd Latin colony, then the city gets its modern name. It was connected by a direct road with Rimini, which contributed to the development of a trade center here. This ensured the stable economic position of the city for almost the entire subsequent history. About 6 thousand immigrants from other provinces come to the city. They are granted special rights: voting, marriage with the aboriginals of the empire, free trade. All this contributes to the rapid growth of the city, it is built on the model of all Roman settlements. And today the center of the settlement with its straight streets and cobbled roads reminds of this period.

Christian Piacenza

After the fall of Rome, the inhabitants of the city en masse accept Christianity, in the 4-5 centuries there is a wide construction of religious buildings. So Piacenza (Italy), whose attractions are greatly enriched by interesting Christian cathedrals, is entering a new round of its history. In a wealthy city, several outstanding temples are built, while the main activity of local residents is trade. By the 10th century a vast merchant class was being formed here. For this period there is a rapid growth of construction, in the city there are many interesting monuments of medieval architecture. In the 13th century, Alberto Scoto concentrated all power over Piacenza. He did a lot for the further development of the city. At this time Piacenza (Italy), whose sights have been supplemented by several significant objects, is becoming a major center of culture and trade.

In the 13th century, local elites waged an endless struggle for power, which greatly weakened its defensive capability. This was rectified under the rule of the Visconti clan, who built a local citadel. But soon the fortress was destroyed in the course of almost a century-long confrontation between Visconti and Sforza. In the 16th century, the city is a part of the Parma duchy, and in Piacenza the next period of strengthening of defense structures and construction begins. During the following centuries the city passed from hands to hands of different rulers, but at the same time it was always a prominent settlement for northern Italy. This leads to a significant weakening of the city. Only at the end of the 19th century Piacenza entered a fairly stable period, having joined the united Italy.

Main Attractions

Piacenza (Italy), whose attractions amaze with splendor and variety, preserved the traces of its turbulent history. The main objects of tourist interest are:

- Duomo. The main cathedral, built in the 12th century, amazes with its grandeur and grandeur of decoration. Its façade, decorated with pink marble and golden yellow sandstone, is decorated with caryatids and quaint capitals of columns;

- Farnese Palace of the 16th century. This monumental structure once served as a safe haven for the Duke, and today there are several very interesting museums. Remains preserved are the rich interiors of the palace;

- Palazzo Commune. A unique building in the style of the Lombardian brolet, was built in the late 13th century. The lower part of the facade of the palace is decorated with pink marble, and the top is decorated with spectacular brickwork in the form of geometric figures.

Also important attractions Piacenza are cathedrals. There are about a dozen of them. The most interesting are the Basilica of San Savino, the church of St. Sixtus, St. Anthony and St. Francis, the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Campagna.

Things to do

A great way to combine cognitive tourism with gastronomic pleasures is to travel around Italy. Piacenza and Parma are two of the largest cities in the duchy, which give you the opportunity to enjoy the culture and cuisine of the region. Already the translation of the name of the city ("pleasantness, pleasure") means that you can have a good time at this place. They often come here just to enjoy fine wines and unique cuisine. Tasting can take more than one day, there are so many different dishes here.

Interesting Facts

Looking at the sights of Piacenza, the features of which are described in the article, you should not miss the Cathedral of St. Sixtus. Once it was for this temple that the Italian artist Rafael was hired, he created for the altar the famous Sistine Chapel. The masterpiece was removed from the church walls in the late 18th century and sold, today it can be seen in the Dresden Gallery.

The Plaza del Cavalli retains its medieval appearance, nothing has changed here since the late 18th century. The main decoration of the square is the Gothico palazzo, built in the late 13th century.

In the palace of Farnese, in the city museum you can see a unique artifact - "liver Piacenza". This bronze sculpture of the sheep liver, which is created by the Etruscans and decorated with the names of Etruscan deities.