Ottavio Farnese

duke of Parma and Piacenza

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June 26, 2026

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Ottavio Farnese was the second duke of Parma and Piacenza, ruling from 1547 to 1586. He made Parma his capital and focused on consolidating the duchy's internal affairs and asserting control over feudal lords. He also suppressed a conspiracy in 1582 and re-subdued the Valtarese region.1

Ottavio was the son of Pier Luigi Farnese, the first duke, and the grandson of Pope Paul III. His father had been granted the duchies of Parma and Piacenza by Pope Paul III in 1545. Ottavio's son, Alessandro Farnese, became the third duke and was a distinguished military leader who served as regent of the Netherlands for Philip II of Spain.12

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Farnese Family
…Luigi’s second son and successor, Ottavio (1542–86), made Parma his capital instead of Piacenza and continued his father’s work of internal consolidation and the struggle against the feudal lords. He harshly repressed a conspiracy in 1582 and subdued the Valtarese again. Pier Luigi’s eldest son, Alessandro (1520–89), had been created…
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…Luigi’s second son and successor, Ottavio (1542–86), made Parma his capital instead of Piacenza and continued his father’s work of internal consolidation and the struggle against the feudal lords. He harshly repressed a conspiracy in 1582 and subdued the Valtarese again. Pier Luigi’s eldest son, Alessandro (1520–89), had been created…
Read More