The medieval culture of Europe is an interesting and deeply symbolic object for study and observation. The small town of Piacenza (Italy), the sights of which are mostly from the Middle Ages, attracts tourists with its atmosphere and well-preserved center. Many travelers come here every year to stroll along the old streets and see the unique cathedrals. The best vacation time is a vacation in Piacenza. A guide to Piacenza, interesting facts from its history can be found in this article.
Geographical position
Piacenza is located in the northwest of the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, almost on the border with Lombardy. It is only 57 km from the famous Parma settlement. The most convenient way to get here is from Milan, which is only 60 kilometers away, or from the capital of the Bologna region, about 150 km to it. 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, in a few days. The city is located in a blessed and beautiful region on the banks of the Po River. The province is located in the valleys of the rivers Arda, Nure, Tidone and Trebbia. Therefore, part of the trip to Piacenza must be devoted to admiring the natural beauties. The landscapes around the city are so magnificent that they unwittingly remind you 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 time of the year is summer, which lasts from March to the end of September. The biggest heat occurs in July, when the thermometer rises to an average of plus 25. The region has a lot of rainfall, especially in October and November, the driest month is February. Excellent climatic conditions make it possible to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables here, taking several crops a year. The region is also famous for its grapes and wines.
The origin of the city
The centuries-old path of 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 Placentius, which became the progenitor of modern Piacenza. For the Roman Empire, the city was needed as a defensive fortress for defense against invaders of the northern territories. Piacenza was originally conceived as a fortified city. A year after the advent of Placentia, it is necessary to reflect the attacks of the conquerors. Warriors of the city heroically were able to withstand the siege of the great army of Hannibal. The second siege that the locals were able to withstand was the attack of the Hasdrubal army. However, at the end of the 2nd century, the city was still captured and devastated by the Gauls.
Roman period
A little later, Placentia was made the capital of 53 Latin colonies, 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 situation 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 indigenous inhabitants 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 stone-paved roads recalls this period.
Christian Piacenza
After the decline of Rome, the inhabitants of the city adopted Christianity en masse, in the 4-5 centuries there was a widespread construction of religious buildings. So Piacenza (Italy), whose sights are significantly enriched by interesting Christian cathedrals, is entering a new round in its history. In the wealthy city, several outstanding temples are being built, while the main activity of local residents is trade. By the 10th century, an extensive merchant estate was formed here. Rapid growth of buildings occurred during this period; many interesting monuments of medieval architecture appear in the city. In the 13th century, all power over Piacenza was concentrated in his hands by Alberto Scoto. He did a lot for the further development of the city. At this time, Piacenza (Italy), the sights of which were supplemented by several significant objects, became a major center of culture and trade.
In the 13th century, local elites wage an endless struggle for power, which significantly weakens its defenses. This was corrected under the rule of the Visconti clan who built the local citadel. But soon the fortress was destroyed during the almost century-long confrontation between Visconti and Sforza. In the 16th century, the city is part of the Duchy of Parma, and in Piacenza begins the next period of strengthening defense structures and construction. Over the following centuries, the city more than once passed from hand to hand of different rulers, but at the same time it always remained a prominent settlement for northern Italy. This leads to a significant weakening of the city. Only at the end of the 19th century did Piacenza enter a fairly stable period, becoming part of a united Italy.
The main attractions
Piacenza (Italy), whose sights are striking in its splendor and diversity, has preserved traces of its turbulent history. The main objects of tourist interest include:
- Duomo. The main cathedral, built in the 12th century, is striking in its scope and magnificence of decoration. Its facade, decorated with pink marble and golden yellow sandstone, is decorated with caryatids and fancy capitals of columns;
- Farnese Palace of the 16th century. This monumental building once served as a reliable shelter for the duke, and today it houses several very interesting museums. The preserved rich interiors of the palace are noteworthy;
- Palazzo Kommunale. A unique building in the style of a Lombard broletto, 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 shapes.
Also important sights of Piacenza are the cathedrals. There are about a dozen of them. The most interesting are the basilica of San Savino, the churches 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 a trip to Italy. Piacenza and Parma are two of the largest cities of the same duchy, which fully provide the opportunity to enjoy the culture and cuisine of the region. Already the translation of the name of the city (“pleasantness, pleasure”) suggests that you can have a good time in this place. People often come here to enjoy fine wines and unique cuisine. A tasting can take more than one day, there are so many varied dishes here.
Interesting Facts
When viewing the sights of Piacenza, the features of which are described in the article, you should not miss the Cathedral of St. Sixta. Once, it was for this temple that the Italian artist Raphael was hired, he created the famous Sistine Chapel for the altar. The masterpiece was removed from the walls of the church at the end of the 18th century and sold, today it can be seen in the Dresden Gallery.
Piazza del Cavalli retains its medieval appearance; nothing has changed here since the end of the 18th century. The main decoration of the square is the Palazzo Gothic, built in the late 13th century.
In the Farnese Palace, in the city museum, you can see a unique artifact - the “Piacenza liver”. This is a bronze sculpture of a sheep’s liver, which was created by the Etruscans and decorated with the names of Etruscan deities.