Existing since the times of the Etruscans and Celts, the city (with the name of Placentia) became a Latin colony in 218 BC and, given its strategic position on the Po, was an important Roman port. In the Middle Ages it was subject to several barbarian invasions. Around the year 1000 it saw a rebirth, from the demographic, civil and economic point of view, becoming a transit area for merchants and pilgrims of the Via Francigena.
From the second half of the 18th century the city often changed hands, until it came into the hands of the Farnese and then the Bourbons. It was invaded by both the Austrian and French. During the reign of Marie Louise of Austria, in the first half of the 19th century, there were reclamations of large portions of land, construction of several bridges and improvements from the scholastic point of view.

Romagnosi Statue

The city boasts the name of “Firstborn of Italy” because it was the first that, on May 10, 1848, asked for the annexation to the nascent Kingdom of Italy, in 1891, right in Piacenza, the founding act of the first Italian Chamber of Labour was signed, as an attempt to protect workers.
Piacenza had an active participation during the two world wars: in particular, during the Second World War, in the hills of Piacenza different groups of partisans fought against the Nazi army. The city was subjected to several bombardments, some of which caused the collapse of the Po Bridge, the railway station, the hospital, the arsenal and large portions of the old town.

The patron saint of the city is Sant’Antonino, martyred in Travo, a town in the Piacenza area in 303. Two patron saintly festivals are dedicated to him: July 4th and November 30th, the day of the invention of the relics. The first cathedral of the city, the present Basilica of Sant’Antonino, and a statue at the entrance of the Facsal, the public walk, which rotates every hour by means of an automatic system, have been named after Sant’Antonino.
The city is situated in the Po Valley, overlooking the river Po, and is a few kilometers from the hills of Piacenza, the first spurs of the Ligurian Apennines.

As far as the economy of the city and the province is concerned, tomatoes, milk, cold cuts and wines are the protagonists in agriculture; in industry the strongest sector is that of industrial machines, and as far as craftsmanship is concerned, Piacenza is renowned for the production of stylish furniture.

The city is a provincial capital, but it is not overly chaotic (it has just over 100,000 inhabitants), so it is perfect for a weekend out of town dedicated to art, good food and relaxation.

DISTRICTS
The historic centre is certainly the area richest in attractions to visit, where there is the Duomo, Palazzo Farnese and Palazzo Gotico, the three main attractions of the city. Just outside the old town, you will find the Facsal, the public promenade, which deserves to be visited any time of the year. Here you can take long and peaceful walks, alone to recharge your batteries after a week of hard work or in good company to chat and keep fit.
The surrounding areas are mostly residential, but if you explore with curiosity, you can find many interesting places that are less touristy: the thousands of churches that enrich the city, quiet little parks and pretty views to photograph.