The first Fortress in Colorno was built in the
XIII century to protect the region across the Po river. It belonged to
noble families such as the Da Correggio and the Terzi family.
From an ancient Fortress to a refined mansion, it reached a great
splendor thanks to the cultivated and nice Barbara Sanseverino who,
between the XVI and XVII century, made the palace the seat of a refined
court life by gathering the paintings of Tiziano, Giulio Romano,
Correggio, Mantegna e Raffaello.
After the decapitation and the confiscation of
the property of the countess on order of the Duke Ranuccio I, in 1612
Colorno and its Fortress passed on to the Farnese family.
About 100 years after Barbara's death the Duke Ranuccio II Farnese
started the works which gave the Fortress its current baroc look.
Many interventions were planned by the Court
architect Ferdinando Galli Bibiena: the Palace, the park and the
fountains of Colorno became famous at the other Courts due to their
magnificence and beauty.
The Borboni succeeded the Farnese. As a matter
of fact, in the night of 17 October 1732 the 17-year old Don Carlos,
arrived from Spain, entered the ducal park which appeared in its
magnificence, brightly lit, animated by players, singers, surprise
machines and fireworks.
Since 1750, during the reign of Don Filippo of Borbone the architect
Petitot and the sculptor Boudard worked in the palace; the Court Theatre
regularly received Italian and French companies which stirred Carlo
Goldoni who was often among the guests of the Court.
The French revolution and the Napoleone's
campaigns upset the happy court life. The palace was declared "imperial"
(that is possible residence of the French emperor)and the Vienna
Congress assigned it to the former empress the Austria Grand
Duchess Marie Louise.
During her thirty-year excellent governing she
took great care both of the park and of the Palace where she often spent
her days.
The Borbone succeeded her after her death, who where called "the second"
to distinguish them from the previous family and with them the Court
life ended up.
Nowadays the Palace houses shows and exhibition and the park is open to
the public.
Colorno Royal Palace
Colorno Royal Palace - Photo © 