Among the artists from the Emilia, Tuscan and Venetian schools of the 14C to the 16 C, here there is Fra Angelico, Canaletto, Bellotto, Tiepolo. The Parma School is represented by a stunning portrait of a woman, The Turkish Slave, and Correggio by his masterpiece, the Virgin of St Jerome. Works by Nattier, Hubert Robert and Elisabeth Vig,e-Lebrun are evidence of the French presence in Parma in the 18C.

Once pelota was played in the courtyards of this austere palace built under the orders of the Farnese between 1583 and 1622. Today it contains two museums, the archaeological museum and the national Gallery, the Palatine library and the Farnese theatre.

Its 18C facade and unfinished belfry dominate the Piazza S. Prospero. It is reached along the very lively Via Broletto. On the dome of the apse is an attractive cycle of frescoes by C. Procaccini and B. Campi. There are also attractive marquetry stalls. Nearby along Via San Carlo, is the charming Fontanesi square where you may stroll among antique shops and art galleries.

The Garden Palace of the Duke was designed by Petitot and peopled with statues by Boudard, both French.