The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza was a historical state in northern Italy, established in the 16th century. It was ruled by the House of Bourbon and later by the House of Habsburg. The duchy was known for its rich cultural heritage, including art and architecture, and played a significant role in the political landscape of Italy. In 1859, the duchy was annexed by the Kingdom of Sardinia during the unification of Italy. Today, the regions of Parma and Piacenza are part of the Emilia-Romagna region, preserving their historical significance and cultural identity within modern Italy.