from Observations on Italy by John Bell, 1835

A refreshing breeze had succeeded to the oppressive heat of an intensely warm day; the low declining sun, now setting behind the hills, cast a lengthened shadow over the landscape, and gave a pleasing variety to unwooded but rural and richly-cultivated scenery. It was Sunday, and the streets of the city were filled with well-dressed people, most of whom, especially the women, were tall and handsome. There were no carriages; no crowding or bustling in the streets; the whole presenting a character of quiet serenity, which pleasingly reminded me of the Sabbath of a long summer day in a country town of Scotland. Placentia, or Piacenza, is finely situated on a great plain, between the Po and the Trebia, not far from the junction of these two rivers, having received this appellation from the Romans, on account of its delicious situation. Placentia has nothing of the grandeur of an ancient city; neither does it offer any of the finer features of modern structures; but may be described as presenting a pretty and cleanly aspect, giving the idea of a small town, in which nothing of the bustle of trade appears; and where much of simplicity and equality in manner and station is to be found.