The Carriage Museum is among the most prestigious in Italy, not only for the variety and richness of the pieces on display, but above all for their integrity.

During the restoration, the carriages underwent only necessary and minimal interventions, entrusted to the expert care of Mr. Ettore Aspetti.
The Piacenza collection was initially born thanks to a substantial donation (thirty specimens) by Count Silvestro Brondelli di Brondello, who in 1948 donated to the Municipality the collection inherited from his uncle, a refined collector and expert in carriages, Count Dionigi Barattieri di San Pietro, thus interpreting his uncle's wishes.
Over time, numerous other pieces have been added, received as donations, some in storage and others purchased by the Museum.
This huge collection is housed in the underground rooms of the Palace, and was partially opened to the public in 1990 and finally inaugurated in 1998.

The collection features various examples dating from 1700 to the advent of motor transport . It also includes a hearse , three examples of sacred vessels, a fire engine carriage , a ladder carriage , a series of children's carriages , baby carriages, a beautiful Sicilian cart and a sleigh .

Some items of clothing are also on display.

Gala sedan
mid-18th century

The sedan was conceived in Berlin in the mid-17th century. Depending on its importance, the sedan is divided into: grand gala sedan and gala sedan.

The ceremonial sedan on display here is the oldest in the Palazzo Farnese collection. Made by the F. Loyer factory in Turin, as evidenced by the mark on the rear leaf springs, it has a curved roof and eight windows, all with movable glass. The linearity of its forms is enhanced by a gilded frame that runs along the sides of the carriage.
In addition to the coachman's seat, there is also a platform for the valets assigned to accompany the carriage. Access to the interior is via a folding ladder covered, like the luxurious interior, in silk and red velvet.

A coat of arms is painted on the doors which could likely indicate that the owner of the vehicle was a bishop elected to the rank of Honorary Prelate.

Calèche - Baroque
1828-30

This carriage is one of the most valuable pieces in the Piacenza collection .

The body has a curvilinear "bateau" shape (or "gondola", still in Empire style); it has a double suspension system that allows for a more pleasant journey for passengers; the reclining hood has a rigid upper arch of the leaf springs, bringing it closer to the prototype patented in 1804 by the Englishman Elliot.
There are four passenger seats, but this can be reduced to two by removing the front leather cover.
The steering box could also be removed to allow for saddle riding. The original colors (blue and amaranth) were recovered during a careful restoration process.
It bears the mark “Thomas Baptiste – Paris – 3356”, a coachbuilder active in Paris between 1828 and 1830.

Translated by AI

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