Parma’s Pilotta: A Ducal Haven of Treasures and Timeless Elegance
In the city, they call it “the Pilotta” because Parma likes to do things on a grand scale. Even the squares have noble names, as befits the “petite capitale” adored by Marie Louise and Stendhal. Today, the Pilotta is a unique space—a fusion of the ancient brick palace and a beautiful green lawn, where locals gather on summer evenings to enjoy music, conversation, and even games of pelota, the ball game that inspired its name.
This “green lung” of Parma, officially Piazzale della Pace, sits just a stone’s throw from the Regio Theater and the train station. Outside, it buzzes with life, while inside the palace, some of Parma’s most precious treasures are housed.
A Monument of Resilience
The palace walls, scarred but proud, are a testament to Parma’s resilience, surviving even the bombings of the Second World War. Built in the 16th century by Ranuccio Farnese, the palace was designed as a multifunctional hub. Ranuccio envisioned it not as a residence but as a “service container”, housing a church, stables, barns, barracks, and the Farnese Theater, a wooden masterpiece envied worldwide.
In 1583, construction began on the porticoed gallery, aligned with the bridge that crossed the Parma stream to the Ducal Residence nestled in the park. Today, the Ducal Park remains a favorite spot for runners and families, while the residence houses some offices of the renowned Carabinieri’s Scientific Investigations Department (RIS).
Treasures of the Pilotta
Over the centuries, the palace expanded to include the Palatine Library, Archaeological Museum, and the National Gallery. These can be accessed through the monumental staircase designed by Simone Moschino, whose dome was inspired by the Escorial Palace.
Although time and war have left their marks, the site remains evocative. The church of San Pietro Martire exists only in its ancient plan, with trees replacing columns and water meant to mirror the aisles. Nearby stands the monument to Verdi, once an elaborate tribute to all 27 of the maestro’s operas, now reduced to its central portion due to wartime damage.
Visitor Information
- Location: Piazzale della Pace, 5, Parma.
- Free Access: Grand staircase, exterior parts of the first two floors, the bridge, the Ducal Park, and the lawn with the remains of the Verdi monument and the old church.
- Ticketed Areas (€6): National Gallery, Farnese Theater, and the Palatine Library.
- Hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 8:30 AM–7:00 PM.
- Sunday and holidays: 8:30 AM–2:00 PM.
- Closed: Monday.
- During Expo: Saturday evenings until 10:00 PM.
- Contact: Tel. 0521 233 309.
- Website: www.parmabeniartistici.beniculturali.it.
- Hours:
- Archaeological Museum (€4):
- Hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM.
- Saturday–Sunday: 1:00 PM–7:00 PM.
- Closed: Last Sunday of each month.
- Contact: Tel. 0521 233 718.
- Hours:
