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Museum · Parma, Emília-Romanha
Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta
Large palace of the Farnese that houses the Teatro Farnese, made of wood, the Galleria Nazionale with works by Correggio, Parmigianino and Leonardo, the Biblioteca Palatina and the Museo Bodoni.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta
The Palazzo della Pilotta was built by the Dukes of Farnese from the late 16th century as a complex of court services, with stables, storage rooms and halls. The name comes from pelota, a ball game played in one of the courtyards. Bombed in 1944, the building was restored gradually and today functions as a group of museums.
The Teatro Farnese is the starting point of the visit. It was built from 1618 by order of Duke Ranuccio I, from a design by Giovan Battista Aleotti, in a former weapons hall on the piano nobile. Entirely of wood, it has U-shaped stands and a deep stage for movable scenery. Largely destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt using the original material that could be recovered.
The Galleria Nazionale continues in a series of connected rooms. The collection includes paintings by Beato Angelico, Cima da Conegliano, Correggio, Parmigianino, El Greco, Guercino and Canaletto. One of the highlights is the Scapigliata, a small female head painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and another is the works by Correggio that came from the city's churches.
The same complex houses the Biblioteca Palatina, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Museo Bodoni, dedicated to Giambattista Bodoni, a typographer who created typefaces still used today. The ticket usually includes several of these spaces.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the Teatro Farnese and the Galleria Nazionale. Add 1 hour for the library and the other museums.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays. It usually closes on Mondays; check opening times before you go. Access to the Teatro Farnese may be limited on concert days.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza della Pilotta, about a 10-minute walk from Parma station and 5 minutes from the Piazza Duomo.
Tip
Start with the Teatro Farnese and save energy for the gallery, which is long. From the Ponte Verdi, next to the Pilotta, you can reach the Parco Ducale in a few minutes.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta
Is the Teatro Farnese original?
It was built starting in 1618 and was almost destroyed in the 1944 bombing. It was rebuilt after the war using recovered original wooden pieces and new parts.
What to see at the Galleria Nazionale?
The Scapigliata by Leonardo da Vinci, paintings by Correggio and Parmigianino, and works by El Greco, Guercino and Canaletto.
Does one ticket cover everything?
In general, the complex ticket includes the Teatro Farnese, the Galleria Nazionale and other spaces of the palace. Confirm options before you go.