PALAZZO ORLANDI

In the heart of Busseto, Palazzo Orlandi stands as one of the town’s most elegant and significant historic buildings. It was designed and built in the early 18^th century by local painter and architect Giuseppe Cavalli, who also decorated its splendid main hall in Neoclassical style. At the time, the palace was considered the most modern and refined residence in Busseto.

In 1845, Giuseppe Verdi, by then an established composer and at the beginning of his financial success, purchased the palace captivated by its architectural beauty. From 1849, he lived there with Giuseppina Strepponi, his companion and future wife. Their cohabitation, unconventional for the time, caused a scandal among the town’s moralists and temporarily strained Verdi’s relationship with his mentor, Antonio Barezzi.

During his time at Palazzo Orlandi, Verdi composed three major operas: Luisa Miller, Stiffelio, and Rigoletto. However, the hostile attitude of the townspeople toward Strepponi prompted Verdi to leave Busseto. He purchased an estate in Sant’Agata, in the Piacenza province, where he would later build his renowned Villa Verdi.

The palace remained in Verdi’s possession until he sold it to Giuseppina Strepponi, who soon after sold it herself. The proceeds were donated to the poor of Busseto, a gesture that reflects the Maestro’s deep humanity and social conscience. In the 20^th century, the building also hosted Arturo Toscanini, who was frequently welcomed there by the Orlandi family, then owners of the property. Today, the palace houses a valuable collection of period furnishings, original manuscripts, and memorabilia related to both Verdi and Toscanini. However, it is currently privately owned and closed for restoration.