Weekend in Piacenza

A striking Romanesque cathedral built from pink marble and sandstone. The interior contains well-preserved 14th-century frescoes, including a massive Last Judgment on the counter-f

Tip: The crypt is dim and cool — a good break from summer heat. Look for the giraffe fresco near the main altar; it's a symbol of the city.

Piacenza's cathedral, a Romanesque building with a striking striped marble facade. Inside, see the frescoed dome by Morazzone and the 12th-century crypt with relics.

Tip: The crypt is often overlooked – it's cool and quiet, with a modest collection of medieval stone fragments. Light a candle if you like.

A Romanesque cathedral with a striking pink marble facade and a large frescoed dome. Inside you'll find well-preserved 12th-century mosaics in the crypt.

Tip: Head straight for the crypt — the 12th-century floor mosaics of zodiac signs are the real treasure, and there's rarely a queue. Free entry, but they ask for a small donation near the exit.

Piacenza's patron saint's church, a Romanesque building with a distinctive octagonal tower. Inside, look for the 12th-century mosaic floor and the crypt.

Tip: Enter from the side door on Via San Siro – you'll see the mosaics first before the main nave.

Piacenza's patron saint's church with a distinctive octagonal tower. The Romanesque interior feels ancient and quiet. Used as a prison in Napoleonic times; marks from chains are still visible on some

Tip: The side chapel on the left has a wooden crucifix from the 1400s. Ask the caretaker (usually near the door) to turn on the light for a better view — he expects nothing but a grazie.

15th-century church with a notable choir area. It used to house Raphael's Sistine Madonna, now replaced by a copy.

Tip: Step inside the small cloister behind the church — it's often empty and peaceful, with a small garden.

Piacenza's oldest church, dating from the 4th century with a distinctive round tower. Inside, the Romanesque crypt and frescoes are well preserved.

Tip: Go mid-morning on a weekday to avoid wedding parties. The crypt often has a volunteer guide who can explain the 11th-century mosaics.

Housed in the massive Farnese palace, this museum complex covers archaeology, art, and local history. The highlight is the Etruscan bronze liver — a model used for divination. Also

Tip: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Go early (opens 9:00) to avoid queues. The archaeology section on the ground floor is less crowded than the art galleries upstairs.

A Romanesque church with a distinctive octagonal bell tower. Inside, the crypt holds relics of the city's patron saint. Fresco fragments and a calm atmosphere make it worth a quick

Tip: Go just before noon when the sun hits the rose window—it casts coloured light on the floor.

A vast 16th-century palace housing civic museums. The archaeological collections and the Etruscan bronze liver are the highlights.

Tip: The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise €8, but the courtyard and exterior cost nothing.