Farnese Theater

Performing arts theater · Parma ·

Farnese Theater

Performing arts theater · Parma ·

Entirely wooden Renaissance theatre, rebuilt after WWII bombing

Information

Presso Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta, Piazza della Pilotta, 15, 43121 Parma PR, Italy Get directions

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"A historic theater preserved within the palace complex, notable for its architectural and cultural value and frequently visited by those exploring the city’s artistic institutions." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cities-in-italy-8708839

Farnese Theater

Scott G.

Google

My wife and I spent a full month in Parma and out of everything we saw across Italy, Teatro Farnese was by far one of the most breathtaking places we visited. Walking inside feels like stepping back in time. The entire theater is made of wood and when the light shines through the upper windows it gives the space a warm golden glow that pictures can never capture. The history makes it even more special. It was built in the early 1600s for the Dukes of Parma and later destroyed during World War II. What you see today was carefully rebuilt using the same original design and materials. You can feel the care and craftsmanship that went into every detail. Standing in the center of the theater surrounded by rows of wood seating is a moment that stays with you. It is quiet and grand all at once and you can almost imagine the performances that once filled the space. If you are visiting Parma, do not miss it. Teatro Farnese is absolutely spectacular and one of the true treasures of Italy.

Marta M

Google

The whole museum complex was amazing, spent a few hours there and wish I had spent longer. The theater's history was well explained by the displays. The highlight was the trippy "movie" they play every 20 minutes.

ЭЛЛИ Ш.

Google

the main masterpiece of Ranuccio's time is the Farnese Theatre. You will definitely not see anything like it anywhere else. A huge theatre from the beginning of the 17th century... made of wood! A unique landmark. In fact, there are similar theatres, the Olimpico in Vicenza and the Antica in Sabbioneta, the architect of Parma used them as models. But the theatre in Parma is larger.

E Scott P.

Google

Teatro Farnese is absolutely breathtaking; one of the most remarkable spaces I’ve ever stepped into. Built entirely of wood in the early 1600s, it feels like a time capsule of Baroque grandeur. The scale is massive, yet the warm tones of the timber give it an almost intimate atmosphere. Standing in the arena, you can feel the weight of history and spectacle that once unfolded here. It’s hard to believe it survived (and was rebuilt after WWII damage), but that only adds to its mystique. A must-see for lovers of architecture, theater, or anyone who appreciates the rare magic of a place that feels truly one of a kind.

Corey S.

Google

Great musuem, so much to see. Many rooms and floors. Was a great addition to our day in Parma

Sasha C.

Google

Definitely worth seeing! In order to come here, you have to buy a museum ticket ! (It was about 15 euros) And I recommend to check museum collection as well! And the Library of course!

Tash G.

Google

One of the best places I have visited in my life. It took my breath away. I had not seen something like it before. A MUST SEE in Parma (regardless of whether you care about theatres or not). We nearly missed it, only heard about how great it was via our tour guide from the day before (also recommended - enquire via Tourism office). So glad I saw it.

Penny P.

Google

Fantastic! Amazing! Not to be missed. A wooden theater inside a palace - hard to imagine without experiencing the location. If you can attend a production there, do! We visited during Verdi Festival in October and enjoyed a performance Monteverdi Madrigals. Another unforgettable night in Parma.

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

11 Best Cities to Visit in Italy

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cities-in-italy-8708839

Farnese Theater

Scott G.

Google

Marta M

Google

ЭЛЛИ Ш.

Google

E Scott P.

Google

Corey S.

Google

Great musuem, so much to see. Many rooms and floors. Was a great addition to our day in Parma

Sasha C.

Google

Definitely worth seeing! In order to come here, you have to buy a museum ticket ! (It was about 15 euros) And I recommend to check museum collection as well! And the Library of course!

Tash G.

Google

Penny P.

Google

Farnese Theater

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