Located within cities, city parks are corners of peace and nature, colours and scents, where citizens and tourists alike take refuge to get away from the hustle and bustle. They are places to relax, play sports, take the children to play or simply enjoy a refreshing break in the greenery. Let’s discover together those to visit in Reggio Emilia, Parma and Modena.
Parco del Popolo (People’s Park) – Reggio Emilia
Parco del Popolo, also known as the Public Gardens, is a vast green space located in the historic centre of Reggio Emilia. It is located in the area where the ancient Gonzaga Citadel once stood and overlooks Piazza della Vittoria, home to the Civic Museums of Reggio Emilia and two important city theatres. Built in 1864 to a design by Giuseppe Balzaretto, it has changed appearance several times over the years. Today its interior houses statues (including those of Ludovico Ariosto and Matteo Maria Boiardo), fountains (including that of Abbot Ferrari Bonini), steles, monuments (including those to the Concordi and the Fallen) and works from different eras. In addition, there are a large number of shrubs and trees, among which the very large, 100-year-old cedar of Lebanon stands out for the breadth of its ramifications. The park is completed by benches and two areas equipped for children’s play.
Parco Ducale (Ducal Park) – Parma
The Parco Ducale, familiarly called ‘the Garden’, is located in the heart of Parma’s historic centre (Oltretorrente district), of which it occupies almost a quarter. It is used by residents and tourists as a place of rest and recreation as well as visited as a site of relevant historical and artistic interest for its architectural design and the splendid buildings and artistic artefacts it houses. Built in the mid-16th century at the behest of the Farnese family, during the 18th century it was redesigned ‘à la française’ by Ennemond Alexandre Petitot and adorned with sculptural groups by Jean-Baptiste Boudard and Pierre Constant. Inside the park are: the imposing Ducal Palace, commissioned by Ottavio Farnese in 1561 and built to a design by Vignola, which stands out with its typical ‘Parma yellow’ for its grandeur and beauty; and the Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale, built in the first half of the 16th century in Renaissance style by Giorgio da Erba. Facilities in the park include a children’s play area, refreshment area, sports trails and an area for dogs. Thanks to the extremely relaxing atmosphere, walking along its paths is suggestive in every season.
Giardino Ducale Estense (Estense Ducal Garden) – Modena
The Estense Ducal Garden, better known as the Public Gardens, is located a short walk from the historical centre of Modena. Its origin, according to documents, dates back to 1598, when Duke Cesare arranged for the enclosure of a large area north of the castle. However, it was in the 19th century, when it became public, that it took on its current appearance. The garden, characterised by a wooded area that embraces the four large central grassy flowerbeds bordered by roses, is marked by the architecture of the Palazzina Vigarani (named after its architect), a beautifully designed building constructed in the first half of the 17th century by order of Duke Francesco I. In terms of vegetation, the presence of trees belonging to various species of considerable size and importance should be emphasised. The garden also has areas equipped for children, fountains and a lake.
Close-up photos © Municipality of Reggio Emilia | Photo Parco del Popolo Reggio Emilia © Municipality of Reggio Emilia | Photo Parco Ducale Parma © Parma Welcome | Photo Giardino Ducale Estense Modena © bbcc Regione Emilia-Romagna
AGRITURISMO IL BRUGNOLO
Welcome to il Brugnolo
If you’re looking for completely independent apartments surrounded by greenery you really are in the right place here!
In fact, Brugnolo is immersed in the green nature of the Emilian countryside. For your relaxation, for that of your children, and again for the runs of your 4-legged friends, you will have 6000 square meters of park at your disposal!
