Ranuccio Farnese (March 28, 1569 — March 5, 1622) or Ranuccio I, was the fourth Duke of Parma and Piacenza from 1592 until his death. He was the son of Duke Alessandro Farnese and Maria of Portugal.

Under Ranuccio I's rule, the dukedom annexed the territories of Colorno , Sala Baganza , and Montechiarugolo . He guided a cultural renewal in the city of Parma, supporting the arts and constructing the 4,500 seat Farnese Theater . Numerous improvements and monuments in Parma were constructed under Ranuccio I at his behest, including a revitalization of the University of Parma and the final expansion of the city walls. Construction of the Pilotta , the court palace of the Farnese family, was completed in 1620. Today the Pilotta serves as Parma's most important cultural center, housing the Palatina Library , the National Archeological Museum of Italy, the Bodoni Museum , and the National Gallery .

Ranuccio I is also remembered for his cruelty, one infamous example being the public execution of over 100 Parma residents suspected of conspiring against him.

References

http://www.comune.piacenza.it/english/history/Ifarnese.htm (Retreived January 23, 2005) http://www.settorecrociato.it/ranuccio%20farnese.htm (Retreived January 23, 2005) http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/users/99/maya/parma.html (Retreived January 23, 2005)