Piazzale della Pace and Palazzo della Pilotta

The Palazzo della Pilotta is a monumental complex consisting of several buildings constructed over different time periods. Originally conceived as a building for the Farnese court, able to integrate the system of ducal residences, linking the Representative Palace (now Palazzo del Giardino), located beyond the stream and the most modest building that housed the Farnese court, located on the opposite bank near the historic center, which no longer exists. The Pilotta has expanded between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to take on the imposing dimensions that still characterize its gigantic size, almost monstrous compared to the small size of the ancient city.
Its name derives from the noble game of the “pelota” that was played in its courtyards on particular occasions.