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HISTORICAL PIACENZA

home > proposal > CITY TOURS > HISTORICAL PIACENZA

Enjoy an overview of the walled city of Piacenza. Visit the old city centre and the most important religious venues, historical buildings, Palaces and Museums.

CODE: HISTPC05     FOR GROUPS ONLY

min 15 up to 40 Participants

 

GENERAL INFO:

Duration: Full day Guided Tour

Departing Time: Normally 0900AM but it depends on your choice at time of booking. Fitted for: All

Hotel Pickup: available from most Piacenza Area hotels.

Languages: This tour is operated in English unless otherwise requested. Upon request can be conducted in Francais or Espanol or Deutsch.

Seasonality: March to October 2008

 

TOUR DESCRIPTION:

The provincial capital of Piacenza lies on right bank of the Po river as a crucial crossroad at about 50km (30 miles) southeast of Milan. The City of Piacenza shows a well-preserved circuit of 16th century walls around 7km (4miles) long. First settlements date back to the stone and bronze ages but the town of Piacenza was founded by Roman Army in the year 218 B.C. as a colony or military post. It was named “Colonia Placentia” to defend the Po river crossing against the Gauls. In the Middle Ages Piacenza became the first member of the “Lega Lombarda” (Lombard League) to fight Federico Barbarossa and thereafter belonged to the Visconti noble Family, the Sforza and the States of the Church from 1521. From 1545 onwards the Farnese duchy of Piacenza together with the duchy of Parma formed an independent principality “Granducato di Parma, Piacenza e Guastalla” which was incorporated in 1859 in the Kingdom of Italy.

 

The tour starts from your Hotel in Piacenza where our Tour Guide will meet you. This full day excursion brings you to the heart of history: the city centre. First stop will be the church of San Sisto (1499-1511). Was built in early Renaissance style and shows a Baroque facade and a fine Ionic cloister. Raphael painted the "Madonna Sistina" (c. 1515) now replaced by a copy. Proceed to “Piazza de’ Cavalli” (Horses square) to admire the Town Hall called "Palazzo Gotico", built from 1280 onwards, that inspired as a model for many other Italian town halls. Walk to the opposite side of the square to admire the interesting façade of San Francesco (St. Francis) church, begun in 1278. From there, walk along via XX Settembre (fashion shops, typical Bars, other curio shops) to the Duomo di Piacenza. The Cathedral, begun in 1122 in Lombard Romanesque style and completed in the mid 13th century under Gothic influence shows with three beautiful doorways. The bell-tower dates 1333 on the top of which stands a golden Angel called in Piacentino dialect “l’Angil dal Dom” (the Angel of the Dome). Inside, beautiful frescoes by Guercino. The Crypt with 108 all-different columns.

In the Duomo square see the Bishop's Residence.

Time to enjoy the local cuisine, an interesting experience of senses: a Lunch in a typical "Trattoria Piacentina”. Local Gastronomy is genuine and tasteful. Cured meats, filled pasta, main courses based on meat, cheeses and cakes wanderfully coupled with Colli Piacentini DOC (CDO Controlled Designation of Origin) wines. After a good and warm Espresso coffee continue your tour.

Next stop will be Palazzo Farnese located at the northern borders of the city contributing with its position to a majestic view that can be seen arriving from Milan. The palace was built in an area formerly occupied by a medieval fortress built by GaleazzoII Visconti in 1352. Visit the Civic Museum with sections for Painting (admire the most famous Botticelli's Tondo “Madonna adoring Child with Little St. John”), Archeological section, Carriages,, Middle Age and Renaissance, Armoury.

Time permitting will be visited the Madonna di Campagna Church and crusades square.

 

THE PRICE INCLUDES (Inclusions):

- Museum entrance fees

- Local Piacentino Lunch in a typical trattoria

- Coach pick up and drop off within the City of Piacenza

- Tour Guide (your requested language among English or   

  French or German or Spanish)

- Travel Insurance

 

 

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDES (Exclusions):

- Optional gratuities

- Food and drink, unless specified

 

 

MEMORIBUS TRAVEL CAN ARRANGE AND TAYLOR MADE ANY KIND OF  THEMED TOUR WITHIN PIACENZA PROVINCE AND NORTHERN ITALY.

This is a SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY. Please feel free to contact us for more information and final pricing on this tour based on your requirements and group size.

 

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