Nicola Bettoli
Architect (Parma 1780-1854)
The best architect at the court of Marie Louise from Austria, who ruled Parma in the first half of 19th century, and a teacher at the local Academy of Arts since 1816, Nicola Bettoli had been an apprentice of Domenico Artusi and in 1812 he designed the project for the theatre of Borgo San Donnino, now Fidenza, which was completed only 40 years later.
Together with Paolo Toschi he restored in 1821 the Farnese theatre thus demolishing the small Court theatre to build the new gallery, now National gallery.
He also designed the Ducal theatre (now Regio) opened on 16 May 1829.
