Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Piacenza to Fiorenzuola d’Arda

Getting out of Piacenza this morning was unexpectedly complex. There were very few signs, but I managed to navigate my way through using a mix of intuition and guidebook references. Today was always going to be a long one — around 24 miles — and the combination of distance and heat meant I needed to make solid progress early on.

Leaving Piacenza meant walking through a maze of industrial estates and modern housing blocks — not exactly the romantic image of Italy that many people have, but it’s a glimpse into real life here. And in its own way, that has value. Traffic was chaotic again near the outskirts. I had to walk on the edge of some extremely busy roads for about a mile and a half. Honestly, this part of the route could benefit from a safer, alternative path — it’s not ideal for walkers.

Once I escaped the city limits, the scenery opened up, and even the cornfields looked beautiful after the tension of roadside walking. Passing through quiet neighborhoods on the outskirts of town was a refreshing contrast — many of them were immaculately maintained, upscale, and peaceful.

Today I entered the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is one of Italy’s most fertile and culturally rich regions, known for its culinary heritage, art, and historical towns. It’s the birthplace of iconic Italian foods like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar (from Modena), and prosciutto di Parma. The region also boasts some of Italy’s best pasta dishes — tagliatelle al ragù (what we call Bolognese) originates here. 

Beyond food, Emilia-Romagna has strong Roman and Renaissance roots, and cities like Bologna, Parma, and Modena are known for their universities, 

architecture, and vibrant culture.

Thought of the day: There’s something very good about the Italian lifestyle. I’m not exactly sure what it is — maybe it’s the slower pace, the focus on food, or the way people actually take time to connect — but it really does make for a more relaxed, intentional way of life. It’s very different from what I’m used to, and I’m enjoying the change.

By early afternoon, the temperature had soared and the open fields offered very little shade. It was a hot final stretch into Fiorenzuola d’Arda, where I arrived just after 1 PM. I found a café, ordered a cold drink, and treated myself to some gelato — my favorite kind of recovery ritual.

Fiorenzuola d’Arda is a charming town in the province of Piacenza, with roots dating back to Roman times. It played a strategic role during the Middle Ages and grew as a market town along the Via Emilia. The town is known for its 13th-century Gothic church, the Collegiata di San Fiorenzo, and its tranquil piazzas. While not a major tourist destination, it offers authentic local charm, and serves as a quiet rest stop for travelers walking ancient pilgrimage routes like the Via Francigena.

I checked into my accommodation around 3 PM and was pleasantly surprised to find the same group I walked with yesterday staying in the same place. That evening, we enjoyed a classic Italian dinner — beer, pasta, and lively conversation. A great way to end a long day.

All in all, I covered about 24 miles today. The heat is definitely becoming a factor, and I’ll need to start even earlier in the coming days. Had a great diner with friends and too much beer for sure!

Tomorrow is a shorter hike, but the following day we begin approaching the Apennines — the mountain range that runs down the spine of Italy. Exciting terrain ahead. Feeling strong, grateful for the experience, and aiming to get plenty of rest. These next few days are going to be big.