A path rich in medieval constructions, abbeys, and cathedrals, which accentuate this interweaving of ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, travelled throughout history by popes, armies, emperors and sovereigns, monks and pilgrims from all over Europe, as well as by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, who is credited with the first tracing of the Francigena route, which took place in 990 AD on his return from Rome to the English city, and which we still retrace today.

The itinerary in the Province of Piacenza begins at the River Po, with the suggestive Sigeric’s ford, and presents pilgrims with majestic cathedrals and churches, such as the Cathedral of Piacenza and the numerous churches that were built in the famous Emilian city. The territory is dotted with ancient castles, including the Castle of Paderna. The Province of Piacenza is one of the international capitals of food and wine, the first being the only Italian city with three PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products, prized cured meats such as coppa (cured pork neck), pancetta (bacon) and salame (salami); there are numerous restaurants and osterias along the route, each one serving its own typical products and culinary experiments of local production.