“Le Ruote” hotel is located in a strategic position for those who decide to visit the surrounding area for a cultural , historic and gastronomic  tour in Italy.

Below, the list of the most characteristic cities located a few kilometers from our hotel .

CastellArquato : Castellarquato village still retains its particular charm. For tourists who want to visit the village , it should first explained his story that finds its origins in the Roman castle dating from the third century BC. The city takes its name from the ” castrum” , as castrum Arquatum literally means “city arched” because the village is located on the hill and it takes the shape . Over the centuries, Castellarquato was owned by nobles and clergy , and only in the Middle Ages it took a really important value for the whole territory of Piacenza . Sforza , after the Visconti , were masters of the small village , with a follow Borromeo de’ Borromei and Bartolomeo Colleoni. Only later , in the early 1700s, Castellarquato became part of the Duchy of Piacenza. The Collegiata Church of Romanesque appearance , dates back to 1100 and has a simple architecture with small gothic symbols, like the whole territory of Piacenza. The Visconti Fortress is situated on the otherside of the hill and is very characteristic because its six towers that make up a plant to L. Today, inside the fortress,  it’s located a public museum. The Podesta’s Palace dates back to 1293, and is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy . A must -see is the Palace of Justice , located in Monteguzzo that dates back to 1292 and was built thanks to Alberto Scoto . On the wall of the fountain located in the square are still visible the coats of arms of old families.

 Grazzano Visconti : This neo medieval village is very distinctive because, in addition to events that take place throughout the year , the village offers just the opportunity to go back in time . The village was built at the behest of Giuseppe Visconti around the ancient castle that still stands statuary . The Castle Park , with 15 acres of garden (half English style and half italian style) is certainly one of the most beautiful sights .

Gropparello : The Gropparello Castle, located in Val Vezzeno, is a very romantic and special place, which it offers a really a really wonderful view over the whole territory of Emilia. The Natural Park, ownership of the castle, is open to visitors , along with the building , with tour guide .

 Veleia : Defined ” The Pompeii of the North”, Veleja Romana is an example of Roman urban architecture . Here, in fact , between the spa and theater, the Romans who lived in the area of Piacenza spent their holidays and today, after thousands of years , you can still relive an important story , which gave roots to the world and is one of the major treasures of our land.

Busseto : Even before entering the center of Busseto , on the main road is a must stop  the house that was the birthplace of the great artist and composer Giuseppe Verdi. Verdi was born in the village of Roncole on  October  10, 1813 and today the building has been declared a national monument . Inside , in addition to being able to see some old jewelry and tools, you can see the Verdi bronze bust, sculpted by Joseph Cantu.

Piacenza : The roman origin city, is really to be discovered because even today, after thousands of years, thanks to its charm and to its churches and palaces that are a tangible reminder of  full life town during the period Ages. The Cathedral of the twelfth century is one of the most beautiful monuments of the city, along with the Piazza dei Cavalli in which is situated the Gothic Palace. A visit to the Museum of Palazzo Farnese and the Gallery of Modern Art Ricci Oddi, allow tourists to enter fully into the history of the Piacenza people, with several references to the lordship of the Farnese family. Art lovers can also visit an inestimable value work : the Ecce Homo by Antonello da Messina, located in the Collegio Alberoni gallery.

Chiaravalle : The splendid Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba, in transition between romanesque and gothic style, is one of the major attractions of the Via Francigena.
The Abbey complex is founded by San Bernardo himself around 1135 and adheres to the fundamental frame of the basilica, a lovely cloister of particular beauty and esteem
One of the reasons the Abbey is famous in whole Italy is the well-known“infiorata” of Corpus Domini (about may-june) when a wonderful carpet of flowers is exposed in the central nave of the basilica.