Overview

The Italian Versailles

Just eight miles from Parma, the Reggia di Colorno is the Italian Versailles, built by the Dukes of Parma. This elegant, monumental structure has over 400 rooms and courtyards which have hosted illustrious families, such as the Houses of Sanseverino, Farnese and Bourbon.

This site was originally used as a military building, around the middle of the 14th century, to defend the lands of a lord from Correggio. Two centuries later, the castle was transformed into a stately home housing a rich Renaissance court.

Today, the palace is surrounded by splendid gardens in the French style, while the interior houses the Osservatorio Astronomico observatory and the new apartments of Duke Ferdinando, which can still be visited today. Since 2004, the palace has been home to ALMA – Gualtiero Marchesi’s School of Italian Culinary Arts, as well as hosting temporary exhibitions and cultural events.