Visit Piacenza Italy: Best Things to Do On Your Next Journey

Looking to spice up your Northern Italy itinerary with something a little more local, a little more delicious, and a lot less crowded? Visit Piacenza, a laid-back city that quietly steals the show with its medieval charm, foodie flair, and yes, some of the best Emilia-Romagna wineries around. Perfectly placed between Milan and Parma, this underrated Emilia-Romagna gem brings Roman roots, Gothic facades, and hearty plates of comfort food straight to your travel plans. You’re here for a lazy day trip or staying longer to soak up the vibe. Piacenza offers a mix of art, aperitivo, and rolling vineyard views from the nearby Colli Piacentini.

Visit Piacenza: Best things to do

Wander in Piazza Cavalli

Start your stroll in the heart of the city at Piazza Cavalli, where Piacenza’s character truly comes alive. Named after the two dramatic equestrian statues of the Farnese dukes, this square is a gorgeous blend of Gothic flair and Italian café culture. With the red-brick Palazzo Gotico and the elegant Palazzo del Governatore watching over, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger.

Visit the Gothic Palazzo Gotico

Just across from the famous horsemen, the red-brick Palazzo Gotico steals the spotlight with its striking arches and Gothic flair. Dating back to the 13th century, this architectural gem once hosted the city’s top decisions, think medieval power moves with serious style. While most of the interior is off-limits, the courtyard is open and well worth a wander. Snap a photo under the arches, soak in the history, and imagine life back when this square was the political heart of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.

Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Nicknamed the Duomo, this Romanesque cathedral has watched over Piacenza since the 12th century, and it’s still turning heads. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta impresses with its decorative dome, soaring bell tower, and centuries-old charm. Step inside and you’ll find glowing frescoes, hushed aisles, and that peaceful, almost magical atmosphere Italian churches do so well. Right in the heart of town, it’s an easy and essential stop on any one-day wander through Piacenza.

Discover the Masterpieces at Ricci Oddi Gallery

If you’re into art with a bit of mystery, Galleria d’arte moderna Ricci Oddi delivers. This modern art gallery showcases 19th- and 20th-century Italian works, but its real claim to fame? The dramatic theft (and recovery!) of Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of a Lady. Beyond the headlines, the collection is a calm, inspiring spot to explore away from the crowds.

Step Inside Palazzo Farnese

Step into Farnese grandeur at the 16th-century Palazzo Farnese, a massive slice of Piacenza’s past. Built on the orders of Ottavio Farnese, this former fortress-palace now hosts the city’s civic museums, expect Roman mosaics, Renaissance frescoes, and even a mysterious 15th-century wooden Madonna (though Botticelli’s name often gets wrongly attached to it).

Explore the Palazzo del Governatore

Catch a slice of Piacenza’s artistic soul at the Palazzo del Governatore, standing proud on Piazza Cavalli. This elegant building has seen centuries of civic life and now doubles as a stylish backdrop for contemporary art shows and cultural events. It’s where medieval roots meet modern creativity, and a great spot to wander into if you’re mixing espresso breaks with a little gallery hopping in the heart of the city.

Walk through the courtyard of Palazzo Comunale

Also called the Municipio, this elegant palace isn’t just a government building, it’s a little time machine wrapped in brick and arches. The Palazzo Comunale blends Gothic flair with hints of Renaissance detail, especially in its vaulted courtyard and sculpted accents. Pop in for a quiet moment under the archways or just to admire how Piacenza turns even its city hall into a work of art.

Visit Piacenza: Best things to do around

Drive to Castell’Arquato

Set against the rolling backdrop of Emilian hills, Castell’Arquato is a masterpiece of medieval architecture just 40 minutes from Piacenza. Its cobblestone streets, romanésque churches, and towering fortress provide a perfect backdrop for history-loving travelers. The village is home to a network of Gothic and Middle Ages buildings, and the views over the Val d’Arda are simply spellbinding. It’s one of the places to see for anyone wanting to explore beyond the square in the historic center of Piacenza and step into a fairytale atmosphere.

Savor charm on a romantic vineyard escape

Picture this: a historic villa from 1524, nestled in gentle hills just outside Piacenza, where time feels deliciously slow. At Villa Oppi 1524, you can wander between vineyards and olive trees, step inside beautifully restored rooms, and soak in the atmosphere of an age-old countryside retreat. Don’t skip the wine tasting, sip local gems like Gutturnio or Malvasia, paired with freshly made salumi and cheeses. Want a full sensory experience? Go for a cellar tour and cooking class to knead fresh pasta while swirling a glass of Italy wine tours–approved regional vino.

A sparkling taste in the hills

In the heart of Lombardy’s wine country, Manuelina invites you to slow down and savor life, one glass at a time. Specializing in Metodo Classico sparkling wines, this family-run estate blends generations of know-how with pure passion. Tour the vineyards, learn how Pinot Nero turns into bubbles worth celebrating, and sip your way through their refined selection, all while soaking in panoramic views of the Oltrepò Pavese hills.

Uncork bold flavors in the Oltrepò Pavese Hills

At Calatroni Vini, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, time slows down and flavor takes the lead. This family-run winery welcomes you with sweeping vineyard views, cozy cellar tours, and a lineup of expressive Pinot Nero and Metodo Classico wines. Tastings come with generous slices of local cheese and salumi, making it feel more like a countryside feast than a formal visit. Perfect for wine lovers, food fans, or anyone chasing that sweet spot between rustic charm and refined sips.

Visit the medieval charm of Bobbio

Less than an hour from Piacenza, Bobbio is the kind of place that makes you forget your phone. Framed by hills and crossed by the iconic Devil’s Bridge, this little town is all charm, stone alleys, a centuries-old basilica, and cozy trattorias serving local dishes that hit the spot. It’s peaceful, pretty, and perfect for a slow afternoon away from the city buzz.

Taste your way through Parma

Parma is where your love for Italy turns into a full-blown obsession. From the first bite of aged Parmigiano Reggiano to the buttery slices of Prosciutto di Parma, this city serves flavor with a side of elegance. The piazzas are graceful, the cathedrals are jaw-dropping, and the atmosphere is the perfect balance of lively and laid-back. It’s not just a stop on the food lover’s map, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for a second lunch or a visit to a Parma winery.

Hungry for culture, carbs, and cured meats? Then it’s time to visit Parma Italy.

Good to Know before visiting Piacenza