Curiosities
Reggio Emilia
A whale from the ocean to Crostolo creek
The true story of the "Capodoglio" (sperm whale), symbol of the Civic Museum.
The story of Palazzo dei Musei
The story of the Palazzo San Francesco (St. Francis’ Palace) began in 1256, when the Franciscans, by authorisation of Bishop Guglielmo Fogliani, took up residence at the church of San Luca and the adjacent imperial palace, which had been used as an Episcopal centre since 1195. In 1272, work began that resulted in the conversion of the palace into a convent and in the construction of a new church devoted to St. Francis. Final transfer of the property was ratified in 1276 by Rudolph of Habsburg, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Patron Saint’s Pardon
November 24, St Prospero’s day, a condemned prisoner, chosen at random, was taken to the omonimous Basilica and pardoned. It was the tribute that the town gave its Patron Saint.
The San Prospero Church and the Dresden sale
During the XVIII century the Dukes of Este, who were fond of art, took possession of works by the painters the Correggio, Camillo Procaccini, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni, Lionello Spada and Alessandro Tiarini.
Polish National Anthem
The Polish National Anthem was composed by cavalry lieutenant Jozef Wybicki in Reggio Emilia July 11, 1797.
Luigi Parmeggiani: reedemed forger
Luigi Parmeggiani emigrated in 1878, he lived in the sparkling Paris of "Belle Epoque" time. In the beginning, he was a desperate anarchist, maybe thief, certainly bomber then wealthy antiquarian, perhaps forger and surely merchant of objects of dubious origin.
Correggio
Coriandoline – friendly houses for boys and girls
A neighbourhood designed according to the wishes of the children (who want it to be magic, see-through, soft and playful). The magic of Emanuele Luzzati’s figures
Guastalla
Lido Po
At the confluence of the Crostolo stream with the Po River there was once a garden belonging to Prince Gonzaga.
Guastalla, the seven-pointed town
According to the "Topographic dictionary of the duchies of Parma Piacenza Guastalla", the town of Guastalla is remarkable for its symmetry. In fact, it is enclosed by walls forming seven points.
Novellara
Acquetta di Novellara
Powerful arsenic-based poison used by Matilda d'Este to get rid of her enemies.
Pharmacy jars
Inside the Gonzaga Museum, piazzale Marconi 1, is kept a valuable collection of pharmacy jars from the ancient Jesuits' Apothecary.
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