Colorno: Reggia, Gardens and Culture

The Reggia di Colorno is a clear focal point for a cultural stay: its history as a residence is connected with a historic garden, a court chapel and a museum. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Colorno, you can plan your stay around these interests—from the history of the residence to a bike ride along one of the routes described.

The history of the residence and the visitor route

The Reggia di Colorno was a residence of the Farnese, the Borbone and Maria Luigia d’Austria, Napoleon’s second wife. When the Reggia became the court’s summer residence, it acquired the nickname “piccola Versailles.” These connections to its time as a residence give the visit a historical context that is not limited to a single era.

In 2026, the visitor route through the Reggia includes the Piano Nobile, the Appartamento del Duca Ferdinando di Borbone and the Cappella Ducale di San Liborio. This gives you three specific parts of the route to plan around. Check the latest information about the visitor route before your trip.

A garden with changing styles

The Giardino Storico also tells a story of change over time. Its first design dates back to 1400: Roberto Sanseverino conceived it in the Italian style, with flower beds, pergolas, hedges, mazes, citrus trees and fruit trees. The design therefore combines formal garden areas with a variety of plants.

Under Maria Luigia’s rule, the garden gradually changed from the French to the English style between 1816 and 1823. This was not a single change on one date, but a process that extended over several years. Visitors can therefore also see the garden’s history as the evolution of different garden styles.

The Giardino Storico is open free of charge during the day all year round. A historical and botanical tour with an audio guide is also available for €3.00. As opening hours vary by season, check them before your visit. This allows you to include the garden as a separate part of your travel plans and, if you wish, also take advantage of the paid audio-guide option.

Chapel, organ and museum

The Cappella Ducale di San Liborio is considered Europe’s second-largest court chapel. The Serassi organ in San Liborio is part of the area’s musical history: Andrea and Giuseppe Serassi built it between 1792 and 1796 for Duke Ferdinando di Borbone. The chapel and instrument offer a specific point of interest if you are interested in sacred architecture or historical musical instruments.

MUPAC, the Museo dei Paesaggi di terra e di fiume, offers a different perspective. It is located on the first floor of the Aranciaia. Its collection complements the history of the court with an ethnographic focus.

Cycling routes with different points of interest

Cycling routes are also among the options described around Colorno. The Greenway delle Residenze Ducali di Maria Luigia connects the Reggia di Colorno, the Pilotta complex and Parco Ducale di Parma, and the Casino dei Boschi di Sala Baganza. Another cycle route runs along the embankment of the Torrente Naviglio through the Bassa area from Parma to Colorno.

You can use the descriptions of each route to help you choose: the Greenway is defined by its named residences and park destinations, while the other cycle route is defined by its course along the Naviglio and its route from Parma to Colorno. No information about distance or travel time is provided; plan your route around the destinations that matter to you and the current path conditions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Langhirano, Ponte Taro, Formiano, Monticelli Terme, Sorbolo, Montechiarugolo, Felegara, Borgo Val Di Taro

For the main travel overview: Parma.