Reggia di Rivalta Park

Timetable

From May 1 to September 30
7.00 pm – midnight

From October 1 to April 30
7.00 am – 8.00 pm

A Little Versailles Surrounded by Greenery

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Reggio Emilia, surrounded by greenery along the historic Passeggiata Ducale, lies one of the area’s most fascinating places: Rivalta Reggia Park.

Here, Este family history meets nature in a vast 26-hectare green space, recently revitalised through an important restoration project.
It is a place to take your time, strolling among gardens, tree-lined avenues, scenic vistas and water features, while discovering the elegance of what was once known as a true “Little Versailles” of Emilia.

A Journey Back to the Este Family’s 18th Century

The story of the complex begins in the 18th century, when Rivalta Reggia was conceived as a magnificent country residence for the Este family.
Construction began in the 1720s at the request of Francesco d’Este and his wife, Carlotta Aglae d’Orléans, a French princess. Leading architects of the time were involved in the project, while the design of the gardens was entrusted to Jean de Baillou.
Between 1740 and 1760, the Reggia enjoyed its golden age. Parties, receptions and celebrations brought the court and its elegant gardens to life, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the great royal residences of Europe.
The arrival of French troops in 1796 marked the beginning of the complex’s gradual decline.
The Reggia was damaged and, over the years, much of the original structure was demolished.
Today, a few parts remain, including the surviving wing of the palace and the Court Chapel: precious traces of a fascinating past that visitors can still imagine today.

A Park Waiting to Be Explored

Today, Rivalta Reggia Park is once again a place to experience and discover.
The recent restoration has brought new life to the historic design of the gardens, creating a landscape where nature, water and architecture come together. Among the highlights not to be missed are the Belvedere, the orchard garden, the large pools and the historic water system, as well as the grottoes and walking paths.
At the heart of the complex, a large green area opens up, while tree-lined avenues and pathways offer new perspectives over the landscape and invite you to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
And then there is the water - a key element of the original Este design.
The fountains and pools still create beautiful scenic views and bring back some of the elegant atmosphere that characterised the park in the 18th century.

Between History and Nature, on Foot or by Bike

The Reggia is not an isolated destination, but part of a wider network of green and historic routes connecting the centre of Reggio Emilia with the surrounding countryside.

The 18th-century Promenade, or Passeggiata Settecentesca, leads from the city towards Rivalta, passing through tree-lined avenues and the Crostolo River Park.
It is a pleasant route to explore on foot or by bicycle, following a landscape where the history of the Este family blends with nature.
For those who enjoy travelling at a slower pace, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Reggio Emilia from a different perspective: gradually leaving the historic centre behind and immersing yourself in the greenery until you reach the Reggia.

A Place to Enjoy in Every Season

Rivalta Reggia Park invites you to slow down.

It is the perfect place for a stroll, a peaceful break surrounded by greenery, or simply to watch the landscape and gardens change with the seasons.
The spaces are accessible to everyone, and the park features lighting, seating, benches and visitor facilities.
Its location and connections with the paths along the Crostolo River also make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine culture, nature and outdoor activities in a single experience.

Part of the Great Este Landscape

Visiting Rivalta Reggia Park also means becoming part of a much bigger story.

The Reggia was part of an intricate network of residences, gardens and routes connecting the centre of Reggio Emilia with the Este family’s country residences.
Today, this historic connection can still be experienced along the Passeggiata Ducale and the paths following the Crostolo River, all the way to Rivalta and beyond.
It is precisely this combination of heritage, landscape and slow travel that makes a visit so enjoyable: it is not simply a destination to reach, but a place to savour, one step at a time.

Ready to Set Off?

Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk surrounded by greenery, a bike ride along the Crostolo River, or a journey into the history of the Este court, Rivalta Reggia Park is a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover one of the most fascinating and unexpected sides of Reggio Emilia.

A place where the past is not simply something to look at, but something to walk through, breathe in and experience.

Contacts

Via dei Combattenti, 1 - 42123 Reggio Emilia (RE)