Ferragosto in Piacenza

In the past, on Ferragosto, the “Macchinoni” were burned in Piazza Cavalli.

Wooden structures representing landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Tower of London took center stage in the heart of the city, drawing in locals and tourists alike. The highlight of the festival was the fireworks display that accompanied their explosion!

In more recent times, the celebrations have shifted to towns throughout the province, particularly in the Trebbia Valley.

As the heat sets in, the city grows quieter, but it’s always ready to welcome tourists interested in exploring the city, visiting the museums, or taking a special tour of the cathedral.

Program

In the City

Visits to the Civic Museums at Palazzo Farnese

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Palazzo Farnese ticket office
Tours of the collections included in the ticket price

The Domes at Sunset

Time: starting at 4:00 p.m. 
Location: Basilica of Santa Maria di Campagna and Piacenza Cathedral
Guided tours of the two domes decorated by Pordenone and Guercino.

Special tour of the Alberoni Gallery and College

Time: 4:00 p.m. 
Location: Via Emilia Parmense, 67
Tour of the Tapestry Room and the college’s facilities, including the library’s treasures, the scientific section, and the Cardinal’s apartment, which houses Antonello da Messina’s *Ecce Homo*

In Val d’Arda

Guided tours of the village and the Fortress of Castell’Arquato

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the IAT R Castell’Arquato

Tours of the keep and village of Vigoleno

Times: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at Via Libertà, Vigoleno

Tours of the Castle of San Pietro in Cerro

Times: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Location: San Pietro in Cerro

Vernasca Beer Fest

Dates: August 15 and 16
Location: Vernasca

Val Tidone and Val Luretta

Tours of Agazzano Castle

Times: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Location: Via del Castello, Agazzano

Vico Festival

Time: 7:30 p.m. (stalls open)
Location: Ziano Piacentino, Vicobarone

Val Nure and Chero

Tours and activities at Gropparello Castle

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Via Roma, Gropparello

Tours of the village, castle, and park in Grazzano Visconti

Times: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:15 p.m.
Location: Meet at the IAT Nure e Chero in Grazzano Visconti

San Rocco Fair

Dates: August 15–16 
Location: Ponte dell’Olio

Festivals in the Municipality of Farini

Dates: August 15
Location: Groppallo, Pradovera, Mareto

Trebbia Valley

Ferragosto in Bobbio

Date: August 15, 2025
Location: Historic Center and Ponte Gobbo, Bobbio
Museums and shops open, live music in various squares, fireworks display at Ponte Gobbo (11:30 p.m.)

Discovering Bobbio

Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at San Francesco, Bobbio
Guided tour of the town

Nighttime guided tours of Malaspina Castle by Verme

Dates: 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the IAT office in Bobbio and Val Trebbia, Piazza San Francesco
A tour dedicated to the castle that overlooks the village.

Mia and Ornella, the Poets of Italian Pop

Time: 9:15 p.m.
Location: Cloister of the Abbey of San Colombano
Concert dedicated to Mia Martini and Ornella Vanoni as part of the “Note in Valle” festival.

Tours of Rivalta Castle

Time: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Strada Comunale, Rivalta

I Want to Go Back to the ’90s

Time: August 14, 10:00 p.m.
Location: Piazza Paolo, Rivergaro

Find out more about these events and special openings at visitpiacenza.it