Military Medals and Orders from the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

Parma & Piacenza Badges, Medals & Awards

The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza was created in 1545, in what is now the region of Emilia-Romagna. The realm originally belonged to the Farnese family. Pope Paul III made it a hereditary duchy of his son, Pier Luigi Farnese. His dynasty ruled it until 1731, when Antonio Farnese died without heirs.

The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza as later invaded by Napoleaon and annexed by France. Its sovereignty was restored in 1814, when Marie Louise (Napoleon’s wife) ruled it as a Duchess until her death. The duchy was restored to Bourbon rule in 1847, after which it was formally abolished and integrated into a new Italian state.