Piacenza traces its history back to Roman times.Located near the river Po, it serves as a fortified camp protecting the Emilian Plain from invasion by both Hannibal and the Gauls.The centre is still based on the Roman plan.Piacenza has a pleasantly understated old centre that is full of fine medieval and Renaissance buildings.Pride of place goes to two bronze equestrian statues in the central Piazza Cavalli, the works of the 17th century sculptor Francesco Mochi.The Holiday Inn Piacenza is located on the outskirts of the city, 5 minutes by car from downtown and the railway station.It is near the highway Milan-Bologna exit Piacenza South and direction Turin exit Piacenza West.It is a modern hotel with 70 air conditioned rooms furnished with minibar, color television with satellite channels, direct dial telephone and modem connection. All guests with a personal laptop can connect to Internet from their room free of charge, 24 hours a day.The hotel is also furnished with 2 meeting rooms to a maximum capacity of 55 delegates.