Palazzo Pilotta: symbol of the power of the Farnese

The Pilotta, conceived as a building intended for the services of the court to integrate the Ducal Palace, is a vast complex of bodies whose erection worked more architects and in different periods. The construction probably began before the 1583 with the construction of the “Runner”, that is, an “arm” that extended from east to west (today occupied by the Galleria Petitot of the Palatine Library)a covered walkway that connected the ancient Rocca Viscontea to a nucleus of houses occupied by the Farnese upon their arrival in Parma. The works, interrupted with the death of the Duca Ottavio (1586), resumed in early 1602 under Ranuccio I, lover of grandiose and severe constructions to assert his power and were terminated in 1611, leaving the factory in the state of incompleteness without having realized the imposing facade towards the “Gravel”.

After Ranuccio died, Cardinal Ottavio Farnese called Gerolamo Rainaldi from Rome to assist the architect Battistelli, but the works around the factory did not progress. On the north/east side the building was built next to the Dominican convent and the pre-existing Gothic church of S. Pietro Martire, that in vain the Farnese tried to demolish and the voluminous palace closed around three large courtyards called Pilotta or San Pietro Martire, Guazzatoio and Rocchetta. The monumental scissor staircase, covered by an octagonal dome that leads to the Museum of Antiquity and the first floor, where the Farnese Theatre and the National Gallery, have their entrance as well as the Palatine Library is the first example in Italy of an “imperial” staircase. Important interventions in the form of internal restoration and renovation of Palazzo Pilotta took place between 1822-24 under the direction of Nicola Bettoli, assisted by Paolo Toschi. The 13 May 1944 a terrifying bombing destroyed much of the south and west wings, including the Farnese Theatre, which were rebuilt in the years immediately following the end of the conflict.

Discover the other places not to be missed in Parma

Duomo e battistero

Along with the Baptistery, Parma Cathedral is one of the most important monuments of the city for its beauty and historical importance.

Regio Theatre

The Teatro Regio di Parma, considered among the most prestigious and well-known in the world, was inaugurated on 16 May 1829 with Zaira, an opera specially composed for the occasion by Vincenzo Bellini.

Ducal Park

It has always been the “garden” of Parma. Built in 1561 as a private park, it was opened to the public only after the unification of Italy.

Palatina Library

The Palatina Library of Parma is a public library located inside the Palazzo della Pilotta. The name originates from the temple of Apollo Palatine of Rome.

Farnese Theatre

Built in 1618 on the first floor of Palazzo Pilotta, the theatre is made entirely of wood and decorated with faux marble.

Sanctuary Santa Maria della Steccata

The church of the Steccata, a splendid example of Parmesan Renaissance architecture, was built on land that was once revered for a popular religious tradition.

Governor’s Palace and Piazza Garibaldi

Ideal location for temporary exhibitions and exhibitions, the Governor’s Palace dominates the central Piazza Garibaldi in Parma and tells a story that goes back over 700 years ago.

Pilotta Palace