4.3
(52)
602
hikers
2
hikes
Bus station hiking trails in Zona Di Protezione Speciale Monticchie offer access to a unique landscape shaped by the ancient Po River, featuring distinct "terraces" from alluvial deposits. The region is characterized by underground water springs, known as "Sorgenti di Terrazzo" and "Fontanili," which sustain hygrophilous lowland forests. This blend creates a diverse environment of wetland and forest within the Po Valley.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.8
(9)
75
hikers
14.6km
03:42
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
6.21km
01:35
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
22
hikers
6.74km
01:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.51km
01:09
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
6.75km
01:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The first foundation of the church dates back, in all likelihood, to the mid-9th century. In 1140 the entire village of Santa Brigida was the victim of a violent fire in which it is assumed that the temple was also destroyed, consequently rebuilt. Here in 1185 the Peace of Constance, already preliminarily discussed in S. Antonio, was ratified by the Lombard League. The current temple was restored by Giannantonio Perrau (1899) who returned it to its original Romanesque features. The interior, without a transept, has three naves, closed by apses. Worthy of mention is the chapel of the Crucifix (right nave), so called because of the suggestive wooden simulacrum (13th century) that it houses. It is decorated with frescoes by Roberto de Longe, a Flemish painter by origin, but active in Piacenza since 1685, who depicts the Ascension in the dome and the Sibyls in the pendentives. On the walls of the church you can see a painting by Felice Boselli from Piacenza (1650-1732) representing the Ecce Homo and a St. Andrew led to martyrdom, a notable work by Camillo Gavasetti (1628). (c) https://scopripiacenza.it/it/luoghi/chiese-e-santuari-piacenza-la-citta-chiesa-di-santa-brigida
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Built between 1278 and 1363 by the Ghibelline Umbertino Landi, the church of San Francesco is in Lombard Gothic style with a terracotta façade. The Friars Minor were commissioned to carry out the work and quickly built the church and adjoining monastery. Over the centuries, the church was enriched with works of art and the convent reached considerable dimensions. The most important historical event connected to the church was, in 1848, the proclamation, which took place here with a plebiscite, of the annexation of Piacenza to the Kingdom of Sardinia. The church preserves inside the tombs of illustrious men, paintings, sculptures and remains of frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. Note the sculpture placed in the lunette of the portal, with the Stigmata of San Francesco (around 1480). The dome of the chapel of the Immaculate Conception is frescoed by Giovanni Battista Trotti, known as “Il Malosso” (1600). Also worthy of note is the stucco sculpture group created by Reti in the 17th century and depicting the Deposition. Other artists present are Bernardo Castello, Giuseppe Nuvolone and Benedetto Marini. In front of the church of San Francesco, the so-called “Dado” develops in height, the building that incorporates the architectural structures of the ancient medieval Torrazzo communal tower. (c) https://scopripiacenza.it/it/luoghi/chiese-e-santuari-piacenza-la-citta-piazza-cavalli-chiesa-di-san-francesco
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The 16th-century Santa Maria di Campagna , built in the Renaissance style, has beautiful frescoes by Pordenone and Bernardino Gatti, who decorated the dome with colorful paintings. The church also features a statue of Ranuccio Farnese, Duke of Piacenza, from 1616 by the sculptor Francesco Mochi, who also created the equestrian statues in Piazza Cavalli.
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Known as "il Gotico" to those who live in Piacenza, due to the presence of pointed arches typical of Gothic architecture, this historic building in the city center hosted the poet Francesco Petrarca in 1351. Today it opens to the public only on the occasion of events or temporary exhibitions.
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Inside the church, it is worth paying attention to the frescoes by Gavasetti and Robert de Longe. Interestingly, some of them were transferred to the Municipal Gallery in Piacenza.
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The Basilica di Sant Antonino is another beautiful church located in the historic center of Piacenza. This beautiful building with many interesting features is located in Piazza Sant’Antonino, a short walk from the cathedral and Palazzo Gotico. The Basilica di Sant Antonino was built in 1350 in the Gothic style.
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This guide features 5 hiking routes that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a convenient way to explore the region without a car.
The region, particularly the Monticchie Natural Reserve, is characterized by a unique landscape formed by an ancient Po River paleochannel. This results in varied terrain including 'terraces' from alluvial deposits, lush hygrophilous lowland forests, and areas with numerous underground water springs. While the specific routes listed here are urban walks in Piacenza, the broader Monticchie area offers diverse ecosystems.
Yes, several routes are rated as easy. For example, the Gothic Palace (Piacenza) – Piacenza Cathedral loop from Piacenza is an easy 5.3 km hike, and the Palazzo Farnese – Gothic Palace (Piacenza) loop from Piacenza is another easy option at 6.2 km.
All the routes listed in this guide are circular loops, designed to start and end at the same point, making them ideal for bus accessibility. You can easily complete a loop and return to your starting bus stop.
While the Monticchie Natural Reserve itself is known for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife, the bus-accessible routes highlighted in this guide are located in Piacenza. These routes offer opportunities to see historical sites such as Palazzo Farnese, the Gothic Palace, and the Piacenza Cathedral.
The Monticchie Natural Reserve offers diverse ecosystems and wildlife, which can be engaging for families. While the routes in this guide are urban, the reserve itself provides opportunities for nature observation. When planning a family outing, consider the shorter, easy-rated loops available.
The Monticchie Natural Reserve, with its lush hygrophilous forest and wetland environment, is beautiful in spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and the foliage is vibrant. Spring is particularly good for birdwatching, as it's home to a significant heronry. Summer can be warm, but the shaded forest areas offer some respite. Winter hikes are also possible, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
For those looking for a longer walk, the Palazzo Farnese loop from Piacenza is a moderate 14.6 km hike, offering a more extended exploration of the area accessible by bus.
The komoot community rates the trails in this region highly, with an average score of 4.48 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility and the opportunity to explore historical sites and natural beauty.
While specific rules for dogs within the Monticchie Natural Reserve should always be checked with local authorities, generally, dogs are welcome on trails but should be kept on a leash to protect the diverse wildlife, especially given its status as a Special Protection Area for birds. Always ensure to clean up after your pet.
Since the bus-accessible routes in this guide are located in Piacenza, you will find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops within easy reach of the bus stops and along the urban hiking paths, especially around the city center and major landmarks.
Zona Di Protezione Speciale Monticchie is a Special Protection Area (ZPS) known for its rich biodiversity. It hosts a significant heronry with various heron species, and you might also spot mammals like wolves, roe deer, badgers, hares, foxes, wild boars, and squirrels. The reserve is also home to rare amphibians like the Lataste's Frog.


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