✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are an array of things to do in Italy, with Piacenza sharing quite a few of those!
Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – Piacenza.
With its magnificent bridges, ornate architecture, and bustling streets, Piacenza is a picturesque town that boasts a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, a flavor-packed culinary adventure, or a dive into the region’s eventful past, Piacenza has something to offer for everyone.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Piacenza:
1. Cathedral of Piacenza-Santuari di Maria Ausiliatrice
The Cathedral of Piacenza, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice, is a beautiful religious complex in the heart of Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture of the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. Marvel at the vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and intricate marble carvings.
Visit the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice, a smaller church within the complex, and take time to reflect and pray.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning frescoes that adorn the interior of the cathedral, including works by Renaissance artists such as Guercino and Ludovico Carracci.
Be sure to walk around the exterior of the complex, as well, to appreciate the intricate details of the façade.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid crowds, visit the cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
2. Palazzo Farnese
A Renaissance palace built in the late 16th century by the Farnese family, located in the city center of Piacenza.
What to see or do: Admire the grand architecture and beautiful frescoes by artists such as Guercino, Annibale Carracci and Ludovico Carracci. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the palace and its former residents.
Don’t miss: The stunning Hall of Hercules, a large room decorated with ornate frescoes featuring scenes from the life of Hercules. Also, make sure to visit the garden, which features beautiful fountains and statues.
Insider travel tips: The palace can only be visited by guided tours which should be booked in advance. The tours are available in Italian and English.
Be sure to take the time to explore the historic city center of Piacenza which has many other architectural treasures from this period.
3. Basilica di San Antonino
A beautiful 14th-century church located in Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the church, with its impressive bell tower and ornate façade.
Step inside to see the beautiful frescoes and paintings that decorate the interior, including works by artists such as Francesco da Volterra and Guercino.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive wooden choir stalls, which are considered to be some of the finest in Italy.
Insider travel tips: While visiting the church, take some time to explore the historic city center of Piacenza, which is filled with lovely shops and restaurants.
Also, if you visit in the summer, be sure to check the church’s website for information on upcoming musical performances and other cultural events.
4. Museo Civico di Palazzo Farnese
A historical museum located inside Palazzo Farnese, a 16th century palace in Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s impressive collection of art and artifacts, ranging from Etruscan and Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings and decorative arts.
Marvel at the lavish interior of Palazzo Farnese, including its stunning frescoed ceilings and ornate staircases.
Don’t miss: The museum’s most famous piece, the bronze Farnese Bull, a Roman sculpture depicting the myth of Dirce, bound to a wild bull and dragged to her death.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit for a weekday to avoid crowds, and be sure to book a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the museum and its collection.
5. Chiesa di San Sisto
Chiesa di San Sisto is a church located in the heart of Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: The church features stunning artwork and architecture that should not be missed. Visitors can admire the grand Baroque style of the façade, the beautiful marble altars, and breathtaking frescoes.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at “The Martyrdom of St. Sisto,” a stunning painting by Giuseppe Peroni that hangs above the main altar.
Also, do not miss the “Madonna and Child” by Bernardino Gatti, a beautiful piece of religious art.
Insider travel tips: If possible, visit the church during the late afternoon to get the best light for photography.
Additionally, take the time to learn about the history of the church to fully appreciate the cultural significance of the artwork and architecture.
6. Aldo Aniasi Archaeological Museum
The Aldo Aniasi Archaeological Museum in Piacenza is an ancient Roman museum showcasing a wide range of artifacts collected from the surrounding area.
What to see or do: The museum houses a vast collection of ancient Roman artifacts, including jewelry, sculptures, pottery, glass, and coins.
Visitors can take a journey through time and explore the ancient Roman world, as well as the prehistoric and medieval periods.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the museum’s prized possession, the bronze statue of the Penelope, which dates back to the 1st century AD.
You can also view an exquisite collection of Roman mosaics and frescoes.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours are available in English and Italian.
7. Basilica di Santa Maria di Campagna
Basilica di Santa Maria di Campagna is a stunning Renaissance-style church located in the city of Piacenza, in northern Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the grandiose architecture of the basilica, featuring a beautifully designed facade characterized by intricate decorations and columns.
Take time to visit the opulent interior, where you can marvel at the stunning frescoes, sculptures, and intricate details of the altar and chapels.
Don’t miss: The basilica’s majestic organ, which is considered one of the largest and oldest in Italy, featuring a whopping 5,000 pipes and an incredible sound.
Insider travel tips: – It is best to visit the basilica during the morning hours, as it tends to get crowded later in the day.
8. Museo Diocesano
A museum located in the historic center of Piacenza in northern Italy, dedicated to religious art and artifacts dating back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and sacred furnishings on display. Highlights include works by the renowned artist Antonio da Trento and the striking Eucharistic dove.
Don’t miss: The stunning altarpiece made by the Italian painter Giovanni Buonconsiglio in the mid-15th century, featuring intricate scenes from the life of Christ.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the offseason to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the museum. Take advantage of the audio guide, which provides insightful commentary on the exhibits.
9. Parco Galleana
Parco Galleana is a large public park located in Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: The park features diverse natural landscapes such as woods, meadows and hills and offers activities like walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from the park’s highest point.
Insider travel tips: Weekends can get crowded, so plan your visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Bring along binoculars to spot rare birds and animals that inhabit the park.
Bring your own picnic lunch or snacks, as the park has several picnic areas perfect for a relaxing outdoor meal.
10. Chiesa di San Francesco
Chiesa di San Francesco is a stunning church located in the heart of Piacenza, Italy. The church is dedicated to St.
Francis of Assisi and is now part of a larger Franciscan complex.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful Gothic-style architecture and intricate details of the church’s interior, which dates back to the 13th century.
The ornate vaulted ceilings, stunning stained glass windows, and impressive altarpieces are a sight to behold.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the impressive frescoes by Giovanni da Modena, which depict the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Also, keep an eye out for the tomb of the famous Renaissance artist, Pordenone, which is located inside the church.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in the history of the church and its Franciscan complex, consider taking a guided tour. Also, be sure to check the hours of operation as the church has limited visiting hours.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the beautiful details of this stunning church.
11. Teatro Municipale
The Teatro Municipale is an historic theater located in Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend operas, ballets, concerts, and theatrical performances inside the stunning 19th-century building.
Don’t miss: The beautifully decorated interiors and intricate details of the theater, including chandeliers, frescoes, and ornate balconies.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats. Dress code is usually semi-formal attire for evening performances.
The theater also offers guided tours during the day, providing visitors with a chance to learn more about the history and architecture of the building.
12. Palazzo Comunale
A beautiful historic palace in the heart of Piacenza, Italy.
What to see or do: The palace currently houses the City Hall of Piacenza and its beautiful architecture is worth visiting. Visitors can admire the beautiful marble facade, the stunning bell tower, and the historic frescoes inside.
The palace also boasts a beautiful courtyard and a museum.
Don’t miss: The chance to climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening or at night to see the palace lit up and to avoid the crowds. Also, be sure to check out the nearby Piazza Cavalli, which is another stunning historical square in Piacenza.
13. Museo della Cattedrale di Piacenza
Museo della Cattedrale di Piacenza is a museum located in the premises of the Piacenza Cathedral in Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses a rich collection of artworks and artifacts, including religious sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and precious liturgical objects. Visitors can admire masterpieces by famous artists such as Guercino, Antonello da Messina, and Francesco Mochi.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s highlight, the polyptych of the Virgin and Child, a magnificent work by Bergognone.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is usually not very crowded, so it’s an excellent place to escape the tourist crowds.
14. Palazzo Gotico
Palazzo Gotico is a historic building located in Piacenza, a city in northern Italy. Built in the 13th century, Palazzo Gotico served as a residence for the local ruler and later as a courthouse.
What to see or do: Visitors to Palazzo Gotico can explore the grand architecture and stunning artwork that adorn the building. The courtyard is particularly impressive, with its elegant arches and intricate stonework.
Inside, there are many rooms and halls to explore, each with unique artwork and decorative features. The building also houses the Civic Museums of Piacenza, displaying an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Palazzo Gotico is the frescoes by Camillo Procaccini, a famous painter from the 17th century. The paintings depict mythological scenes and are considered some of the best preserved of their kind in Italy.
Additionally, visitors should not miss the 13th century Tower of Galvani, located within the palace walls.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours are available for visitors who wish to learn more about the history and art of Palazzo Gotico.
15. Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is a church located in Piacenza, Italy. It was built in the 14th century in Gothic style and has undergone several renovations over the years.
What to see or do: The church has a beautiful facade with intricate decorations and a rose window. The interior is adorned with frescoes and paintings, including one by the famous Italian painter Guercino.
Visitors can also see the tomb of St. Margaret of Cortona, a revered saint in the Catholic Church.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful organ located inside the church, which is still used for concerts and events to this day. Also worth seeing is the chapel dedicated to St.
Augustine, the patron saint of the church, which contains a painting depicting his life.
Insider travel tips: The church is usually open to visitors during the day, but it’s best to check the opening hours beforehand. Visitors should also dress modestly and respectfully when entering the church.
Additionally, taking a guided tour is a great way to learn more about the history and significance of this beautiful church.