PIAZZA DEI CAVALLI

Formerly Piazza Grande, this "Piazza dei Chevaux" owes its name to the bronze equestrian statues of Dukes Alessandro and Ranuccio I Farnese, considered Baroque masterpieces by Francesco Mochi (1580-1654). The square is dominated by Palazzo Gotico, the ancient town hall, an imposing example of medieval civil architecture from the 13th century. Today, the palace hosts cultural events from time to time. To the left of the square is the church of San Francesco, built between 1278 and 1363 in Lombard Gothic style with a Renaissance marble portal.