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The tomb of Prendiparte Pico was probably the work of Paolo dalle Masegne, the son of Jacobello. The monument is one of the greatest masterpieces of Venetian Gothic in Emilia: the urn is carved in a single block of marble with the scene of the Crucifixion in the centre, flanked by the expressive figures of Mary, St John and the Magdalene screaming in pain; on the sides of the tomb is a mule bent by the weight of a sack (representing the unbearable pain of the widow) and a dog (symbol of fidelity) together with inscriptions in ancient English, testifying to the bond between Prendiparte and Giovanni Acuto (John Hawkwood). On the lid is carved image of the deceased on his deathbed with battle armour. Traces of gold and colour are visible, typical of the Delle Masegne tombs.
In May 2012, two major earthquakes occurred in the Emilia-Romagna region, causing 26 casualties and widespread damage across the cities of the area, the surrounding countryside and the productive infrastructure. Public buildings such as The Palazzo del Comune (a 15th-century Gothic edifice) and the castle of the Pico family were damaged. Churches like the Duomo, dating from the end of the 15th century, and San Francesco, a fine Gothic church that housed the tombs of the Pico family (14th century), were completely destroyed.
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