House of Farnese
The House of Farnese (/fɑːrˈneɪzi, -zeɪ/, also US: /-eɪsi/, Italian: [farˈneːze, -eːse]) was an influential family in Renaissance Italy. The titles of Duke of Parma and Piacenza and Duke of Castro were held by various members of the family.
| House of Farnese | |
|---|---|
Blazon: Or, six fleurs-de-lis azure set 3, 2 and 1 | |
| Country | Papal States Duchy of Parma and Piacenza Duchy of Castro |
| Founded | 1419 |
| Founder | Ranuccio Farnese the Old |
| Final ruler | Parma: Antonio Farnese Spain: Elisabeth Farnese |
| Titles |
|
| Style(s) | "His Holiness" (papacy) "Grace" |
| Estate(s) | Ducal Palace of Colorno Palazzo del Giardino (it) Palazzo della Pilotta Palazzo Farnese Villa Farnese |
| Dissolution | 1766 |
Its most important members included Pope Paul III, Alessandro Farnese (a cardinal), Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza (a military commander and Governor of the Spanish Netherlands), and Elisabeth Farnese, who became Queen of Spain and whose legacy was brought to her Bourbon descendants.
A number of important architectural works and antiquities are associated with the Farnese family, either through construction or acquisition. Buildings include the Palazzo Farnese in Rome and the Villa Farnese at Caprarola, and ancient artifacts include the Farnese Marbles.