La Pilotta

The Palazzo della Pilotta is a major complex of buildings in the historic center of Parma. Its name comes from the game of pelota, which Spanish soldiers once played in the courtyard. The ensemble was built in the 17th century under Duke Ranuccio I Farnese; the design was by Simone Moschino, but the project was never fully completed. After the decline of the Farnese dynasty, many of the collections were moved to Naples, before the building was revived under the Bourbons in the 18th century. Today, the Pilotta houses a fascinating mix of cultural institutions. Here you can visit the National Gallery of Parma, the Bodoni Museum, and the famous Biblioteca Palatina. A particular highlight is the Teatro Farnese, considered one of the oldest surviving theaters in Europe. The National Archaeological Museum and the Paolo Toschi Art Institute are also part of the complex. The architecture includes three large courtyards, among them the Cortile della Pilotta and the Cortile della Racchetta. After heavy air raids in World War II, the square in front of the building was redesigned by Mario Botta in the 1990s, giving the site a harmonious look today.