• Parma,Italy, National Archaeological Museum, plaque with inscription of Christian origin,Roman art,third century D.C.
    Provided by: m.bonotto/Shutterstock.com
  • Parma
    Provided by: Mikhail Valeev/Shutterstock.com

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Baptistery of Parma

Baptistery of Parma

The Baptistery of Parma is a stunning octagonal building in pink marble built between 1196 and 1216. It is one of the symbol of the city, also for its central location right near to the Cathedral of Parma. The Parmesan Baptistery is considered the junction point between Romantic and Gotic periods, and one of the most important bequest from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can admire plenty of Medieval works of art, magnificently explained by the museum headsets available on the spot.
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Parma Cathedral

Parma Cathedral

The monumental symbol of Parma is located right in the heart of the city, next to the marble Baptistery. The Parma Cathedral was built in 1074, and it is one of the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. Its magnificent cupola is covered in frescoes by Correggio, a masterpiece that worth a visit on its own. In addition, inside the cathedral you can also admire works of art, frescoes and sculptures made by the most representative artists of the Italian Middle Ages.
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San Giovanni Evangelista

San Giovanni Evangelista

Monastero San Giovanni Evangelista is actually a monastery complex that includes a church, a convent and the Historical Pharmacy San Giovanni. It was built during the 10th century for the Benedectine Order, and it fully represents the principles of Romanesque architecture. Inside you can admire frescoes, sculptures and the ancient books housed in the monastic library. Normally, it is freely open to the public, and it is easily reached on foot — only few metres from the Cathedral of Parma.
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Palazzo della Pilotta

Palazzo della Pilotta

Palazzo della Pilotta dates back to the 16th century. The name of the building comes from the ancient game "pelota" often played in the courtyards of the estate. The particular disposition of its corridors forms a sort of fortress with several courtyards and extensions. Today, the palace hosts several museums, among them are National Gallery, the Palatine Library and the Archeological Museum. Inside the building there is also a theatre, and during summer outdoor events are organised in its gardens.
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The Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace, also known as Reggia di Colorno, is 30 minutes by bus from Parma. Inspired by the Versailles Palace in France, Ducal Palace was built in the early 18th century by Francesco Farnese, Duke of Parma, to cover the remains of a former ruins of the Fortress of Colorno. Inside, you can admire collections and exhibitions. If you are lucky enough to visit during the warm season, you will be enchanted by the magnificent Italian gardens surrounding the estate, where many events are organised by night during summer.
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Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Parma's Arboretum was originally founded in 1600. First, it belonged to the medical university where they grew medical herbs and natural remedies. The contemporary botanical garden was designed under the Borboun domain around 1770. Take a stroll and appreciate the exotic plants species, including the beautiful local flora and when here look out for the distinctive tree with heart-shaped leaves called 'Ginkgo biloba'. The garden contains aquatic plants and mature trees, while the glass houses contain a tropical section with gorgeous Monstera Deliciosa and Theobroma cacao plants, as well as epiphytes, orchids, and tropical fruits. The desert house keeps a variety of cacti and succulents.
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Rocca Sanvitale with Disney Princesses

Rocca Sanvitale with Disney Princesses

Rocca Sanvitale is an ancient fortress located in Fontanello (30 minutes from Parma). Inside you can admire several works of art by Parmigianino, or you can choose to take a break in the nearby countryside. But the best part comes if you are travelling with kids — do not miss the magic castle visit guided by Disney Princesses. Rapunzel, Merida and their friends will accompany you through this stunning location, sharing with you all their adventures.
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National Archaeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum

This museum, housed in Palazzo della Pilotta, was founded in 1760 by Philip Duke of Parma. It was the first and — for a long time the only — institution in northern Italy concerning the archaeological work. The two floors of the museum offer a vast overview of the Italian prehistoric, pre-Roman and Roman times, as well as of ancient Egypt. The upper floor houses the collections not linked to the Parma area: the Egyptian section, the Greek and Etruscan sections, and findings from the well-known excavations at Velleia, the so-called "Pompei of Northern Italy".
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National Gallery

National Gallery

The National Gallery is the main museum within Palazzo della Pilotta. It is all about painting! The collection hosted here was property of the Farnese family. The permanent exhibition features over 700 pieces: paintings, drawings, sculptures, architectural decorations and objects of applied arts dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the hundreds of paintings displayed here, you will find masterpieces by some of the greatest Italian artists: Leonardo, Correggio and Parmigianino.
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City of Perfume

City of Perfume

Immerse yourself in the history of Parma and discover the tradition of perfume and the main characters of its supply chain in the region from 1816 till now. The greenhouses Ducal Park will introduce you to the famous Violetta di Parma. The love of Maria Luigia of Austria for this gorgeous flower are on display at the Glauco Lombardi Museum. Stop by the Acqua di Parma flagship store — one of the historic perfumeries in the city centre that had an enormous influence on the perfume industry worldwide, especially when it comes to packaging. Violetta di Parma 1930 shop will give you a glimpse into the life of Ludovico Borsari and his company, as well as contemporary local glass industry represented by the Bormioli Company.
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Parma Charterhouse

Parma Charterhouse

The Parma Charterhouse is a complex of buildings located in the countryside just outside the city. For almost 500 years, it was the abode of the Carthusian Order. Across history, several accidents destroyed great part of the original structures, but today it still houses the original ancient sacristy, some Renaissance furniture and numerous frescoes, altars and capitals. You are always welcome to visit the cloister, and occasionally you can go deeper into the inner parts of the complex.
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Torrechiara Castle

Torrechiara Castle

Only 20 km from the city of Parma lies Torrechiara village, with a grand medieval castle at its heart. Severe and austere on the outside, the castle is a riot of frescoes on the inside. Marvel at the grotesque mythological figures, angels, cartouches and whimsical architecture drawn by Cesare Baglioni, Giovanni Antonio Paganino and Innocenzo Martini. The Castle of Torrechiara has been declared a National Monument and has become part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli. You can visit Torrechiara by car, bus or even by bike. Tours will take you through Parma’s lovely countryside, usually stopping for a Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour and craft beer or wine tastings.
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