Piacenza

Piacenza is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Piacenza. Piacenza is located on the right bank of the Po River, just before it enters the plains of the Po Valley. It is a major agricultural and industrial center.

History

Piacenza was founded as a Roman military colony in 218 BC. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Po and Trebbia rivers made it an important outpost on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. The city was sacked by the Goths in the 5th century and later became part of the Lombard Kingdom.

In the Middle Ages, Piacenza was a free commune and a member of the Lombard League. It was ruled by the Visconti and Sforza families in the 14th and 15th centuries, and later became part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza.

Culture

Piacenza is known for its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several notable buildings, including the Piacenza Cathedral, one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy, and the Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace that now houses the city's art gallery and museum.

The city is also famous for its culinary traditions. Piacenza is the birthplace of Piacentinu Ennese, a saffron-infused pecorino cheese, and Coppa Piacentina, a type of cured pork neck salami.

Economy

The economy of Piacenza is based on a mix of agriculture, industry, and services. The city is a major center for the production of cereals, vegetables, and wine. It is also home to several large industrial companies, including Iveco, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

See also

• List of cities in Italy
• Emilia-Romagna
• Province of Piacenza