Accessible tourism between the Arda Valley and Piacenza

The trip begins with a visit to Veleia Romana, one of the most important archaeological sites in Emilia-Romagna, located in the Val Chero, about 45 minutes from Piacenza and an hour from Parma (also accessible with public transport E42 line).  

This ancient Roman city - municipium - was founded around the middle of the 2nd century BC on an earlier settlement (findings of a cremation burial ground from the second Iron Age). Today it preserves the remains of the forum, the basilica and an imposing monumental area.

Accessibility

• Archaeological area and museum can be visited with barrier-free routes for people with mobility impairments.
• Braille panels and tactile maps for the visually impaired.
• Antiquarium with accessible exhibition and tactile captions.

To see

• The Roman forum, the centre of public life in Veleia from the Augustan-Julio-Claudian period surrounded on three sides by the rests of a portico with shops and public rooms.
• The basilica, where there were twelve large marble statues depicting members of the Julio-Claudian family (now in the National Archaeological Museum in Parma). 
• The Antiquarium, where the most significant moments in the site's history are represented by objects, sculptures and texts: the pre-Roman burials, the cult area (with the statue of the so-called Jupiter of Luni), the public area, the private area and the section reserved for funerary cults.
• The copy of Tabula Alimentaria Traianea (the original is on display in Parma), one of the largest Roman bronze inscriptions.

Curiosity

Excavations began in 1760 at the behest of the Duke of Parma, following the accidental discovery of the Tabula Alimentaria in 1747.

Tip

After your visit, heading towards Piacenza, we recommend stopping for a tasty lunch in one of the Arda Valley farm houses, to discover the aromas and flavours of the local tradition. We recommend tasting, especially when the temperatures are not too high, a plate of anvein of Arda Valley - pasta stuffed with cheese, as opposed to the Piacenza ones stuffed with meat - 
and a glass of Monterosso DOC white wine. 

In the afternoon, the itinerary continues in the heart of Piacenza. 

When you reach the historical centre, we recommend a visit to the Civic Museums of Palazzo Farnese - housed in one of the city's most impressive historical residences - for a complete overview of the history of Piacenza and its territory through the centuries.

Accessibility

• All spaces are accessible to persons with motor disabilities.
• Braille panels and audio-guides for the visually impaired.

To see

• Still life collection - City Museum - with braille panels and tactile reproductions realised in collaboration with the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Piacenza.
• Benvegnù slab, a rare medieval tile with vernacular caption, with tactile reproduction.
• The Archaeological Museum, with interactive audio and video stations.

Curiosity

Palazzo Farnese was built at the behest of Duchess Margherita of Austria, mother of Alessandro Farnese, one of the most important leaders of the Renaissance. The building was  erected exactly where Pierluigi Farnese, first Duke of Parma and Piacenza, was killed.

Tip

After your visit, explore the city centre and discover the local taverns, where you can enjoy a dish of PDO Piacenza cured meats, accompanied by gnocco fritto and a glass of Gutturnio red wine.