IL TERRITORIO
Il Viaggio: an authentic experience between nature and culture
We are located in a hilly area between the Po Valley and the Ligurian border, a crossroads of four regions: Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria. The area is dominated by four valleys—Val Trebbia, Val Nure, Val Tidone, and Val d’Arda—which wind around their respective rivers, which flow into the Po River. The diverse landscape of forests, vineyards, historic villages, and scenic roads invites exploration.
In summer, the Trebbia River, with its clear waters and small pebble beaches, offers the perfect place to relax. But this area is also rich in history and culture, with castles and medieval villages waiting to be discovered. Just 20 minutes away is Piacenza, a city rich in history, stately palaces, and centuries-old churches. Palazzo Farnese, the Ricci Oddi art gallery, and the many churches scattered throughout the city are just a few of the wonders Piacenza has to offer.
This area is also an ideal destination for those who love good food. Located at the gateway to Italy’s Food Valley, Piacenza is famous for its DOP products—coppa, pancetta, and salami—and its tradition of fresh pasta, as well as its renowned wine production.
ART AND CULTURE +
CASTLES +
NATURE AND SPORT +
VILLAGES +
GASTRONOMY +
PIACENZA +
Art and Culture
Discover the artistic heritage of Piacenza and its province: the Guercino frescoes in the Cathedral, the collections at Palazzo Farnese, and the Ricci Oddi Modern Art Gallery. Outside the city, the castles and villages of Castell’Arquato and Bobbio, with its abbey, preserve history and tradition.
Castles
With over 400 castles, Piacenza is the province with the most castles in Emilia-Romagna. Many of them, perfectly preserved, offer a journey through time through history, art, and legends. A tour of Piacenza’s castles is an unmissable experience to discover the charm of these ancient residences.
Nature and Sport
With its hills, rivers, and scenic trails, the Piacenza area is perfect for nature and sports lovers. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and water sports offer unique experiences, immersed in breathtaking landscapes and far from the hustle and bustle. A chance to discover the area actively and sustainably.
Villages
The villages of Piacenza, nestled in the Piacenza Hills, tell centuries of history among castles and fortifications. Three of them stand out among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy: Bobbio, with its charming alleyways and the Gobbo Bridge; Vigoleno, with its walls and medieval square; and Castell’Arquato, with its majestic fortress and cobbled alleys. Perfect places for a journey back in time.
Gastronomy
This area is a paradise for lovers of good food. At the gateway to Italy’s Food Valley, Piacenza boasts three excellent DOP products—coppa, pancetta, and salami—and a rich tradition of hand-made pasta, with iconic dishes like pisarei e fasò, tortelli con la coda, and anolini in brodo. All this can be enjoyed with renowned local wines, in traditional trattorias, or along fascinating food and wine trails through the hills and ancient cellars.
Piacenza
Provincial capital, on the right bank of the Po River. From the majestic Piazza Cavalli to the Romanesque Cathedral, from the museums of Palazzo Farnese to the Ricci Oddi Gallery of Modern Art, to the noble palaces, every corner speaks of centuries of culture. A city to be discovered at a leisurely pace, amidst architectural beauty and authentic flavors.
USEFUL LINKS
https://collipiacentini.it/shop/categoria/biglietti-castelli/
https://collipiacentini.it/cosa-vedere/
https://scopripiacenza.it/
VAL TREBBIA +
VAL NURE +
VAL D’ARDA +
VAL TIDONE +
Val Trebbia
Located southwest of Piacenza, the Trebbia Valley is perfect for excursions to medieval villages like Bobbio, riverside beaches, and castles like Rivalta. It’s ideal for trekking on Mount Antola and outdoor sports. The famous American writer Ernest Hemingway called it “the most beautiful valley in the world.”
Val Nure
Nestled between the hills and the Apennines, the Nure Valley is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. The Alta Val Nure Trail Valley outdoor area includes 560 km of trails. Among the villages, Grazzano Visconti is worth a visit, with its numerous artisan workshops and its castle, the site of numerous events.
Val Tidone
In addition to being rich in castles worth visiting, such as Rocca di Agazzano and Rocca d’Olgisio, the valley is known for its wine production. All the hills are covered in beautiful vineyards, with the Apennines as a backdrop. It also offers a rich network of trails and mountains for outdoor sports, such as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Val d’Arda
A land of castles and medieval villages like Castell’Arquato and Vigoleno, the Arda Valley is a blend of history and nature. Perfect for trekking in the Piacenziano and Monte Moria parks, the archaeological site of Roman Veleia and Gropparello Castle, with its unique Fairy Tale Park for children, are also worth a visit.
