In 1927, what is pretty recent, the city "Borgo San Donnino" changed its name to "Fidenza", as in Roman times it was known as "Fidentia Julia".

The city was named and the Duomo inside the walls was dedicated to San Donnino di Fidenza (aka "Donninus of Fidenza"), who was martyred nearby in 291.

Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury, made the pilgrimage to Rome following the Via Francigena around 990. His contemporary records of this journey still exist (and are the source for modern guidebooks). He reached "Sce Domnine" after 36 days, which is pretty fast for more than 1000kms.

Frederick Barbarossa had entrusted "Borgo San Donnino" to the Pallavicino family of Piacenza. In 1268 - after a siege - the city was conquered by the troops of Parma, who looted and burnt down it completely. All houses got destroyed at that time just the still not completed Duomo was saved.

The Palazzo Communale got a neogothic facade in 1875.