The Best Travel Guide to Parma

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Parma

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The guide was updated: 2019-12-05

Speaking of Parma, the first things that come to mind are probably ham and Parmesan cheese. Indeed, Parma is one of the most important culinary centres of Italy, but this city is so much more than that. Parma was the capital of a very powerful duchy, which left a legacy of stunning monuments and palaces. In addition, the splendour of that period created fertile grounds for the flourishing of art. In fact, Parma became one of the main centres for opera, thanks to its amazing theatres and its fine citizen Giuseppe Verdi.

Facts

Population:	197,132
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 113 Carabinieri (Police): 112 Vigili del fuoco (Fire Brigade): 115 Ambulanza (Ambulance): 118
Newspapers:	La Gazzetta di Parma
Opening hours:	Shops are usually open between 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Larger shops are normally open continuously during the day and on Sundays.
Tourist information:	Information and tourist reception Piazza Garibaldi, 1, Parma +39 521 218889 turismo@comune.parma.it

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Section in Parma

Parma is not only rich when it comes to food, but also a city with an impressive cultural and artistic tradition. This alluring town will for sure conquer you with its important art galleries, museums, ancient churches and buildings as well as stunning natural reserves and green areas in its vicinity. In this region you will find the right balance between cultural activities and active holiday, so to fully experience a perfect stay in Italy.

The Baptistery of Parma

The 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. In its inside, you can admire plenty of Medieval works of art, magnificently explained by the museum headsets available on the spot.

Parma Cathedral

Parma Cathedral

The monument-symbol of Parma is located right in the heart of the city, near to the marble Bapristery. This 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.

San Giovanni Evangelista

San Giovanni Evangelista

Monastero San Giovanni Evangelista is actually a monastic complex, including 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 easy to reach being situated at few metres from the Cathedral of Parma.

Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

This ancient cathedral is the epitome of Renaissance architecture, indeed it is considered the most beautiful church in the entire Parma region. Built between the 1521 and the 1539, it is the result of work of many important local artists of the period. Among others, you will find the painter Parmigianino´s, stunning fresco called "Le vergini sagge e le vergini stolte" (Wise and foolish virgins), the most elaborated work in the entire church.

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.

Parco Ducale

Parco Ducale

This large park is the little green lung of Parma. Walking in this peaceful garden you will notice the spectacular design created by particular disposition of trees and plants. Inside the park there are also plenty of sculpture groups and two palaces belonged to the ducal family: Palazzo Ducale and Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale. Take a relaxing break, right in the heart of the city!

Teatro Regio

Teatro Regio

Teatro Regio is a Neo-Classical theatre, commissioned by the Dutchess Maria Luigia. Today it is regarded one of the most important Opera Houses in Italy, not only for its history, but also for its fervent contemporary activity, which includes operas, ballet, concerts and exhibitions of various kind. Italian opera is an enchanting form of art and for the ultimate opera experience with its old world charm and glory, there is no better place then Italy.

Salsomaggiore Terme

Salsomaggiore Terme

Enclosed by rolling green hills, this small location near Parma is a well-known destination for thermal tourism. The ideal place when seeking for the ultimate relaxation and getaway from the city stress. Numerous spas are scattered all around the Parmesan countryside where you can pamper yourself with health and beauty treatments.

Museo Glauco Lombardi

Museo Glauco Lombardi

This museum exhibits a prestigious collection of art and historical items regarding Maria Luigia of Habsburg Duchess of Parma and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Among its collections, the museum displays her wedding dress, make-up and perfume kit and lots of paintings and jewelleries belonged to the duchess and her husband.

Castello di Roccabianca

Castello di Roccabianca

The Castle of Roccabianca dates back to 1400, it was built on request by Pier Maria Rossi as a gift for his beloved Bianca Pellegrini. The castle has beautiful frescoed decorations, in particular if you are passionate of literature you will love Griselda's Room with its cycle of paintings inspired by the 100th story of the Decameron. In the castle you will also find the Museum of Distillery, where it is possible to learn something about local spirits, before to taste them.

Festival Verdi

Festival Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest master of opera, is celebrated by his hometown every year during the Festival Verdi. A series of concerts and performances dedicated to the brilliant creator of Nabucco and La Traviata are organised both in Parma and Busseto, during October. Parma in this period is overwhelmed by music more than ever, let yourselves be captivated by this marvellous atmosphere and experience opera in its homeland.

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 of various kind. 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.

Pinacoteca Stuard

Pinacoteca Stuard

If you are interested in painting, you cannot miss the gallery Pinacoteca Stuard. In this museum, located in a beautiful ancient cloister, you can marvel at a collection composed by portraits, antiques and tapestry belonged to the Stuard familly from the 14th to the 20th century.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Parma's Arboretum was originally founded in 1600. In that period, it used to belong to the medical university where they grow medical herbs and natural remedies. Whereas, the contemporary botanical garden was designed under the Borboun domain. 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'.

Taro River Regional Park

Taro River Regional Park

If you are visiting Parma during the warm season, it is worth organising some outdoor activities. Only few kilometres from the city centre, you will find the ideal place where to spend time in the nature, the Taro River Regional Park, almost 3000 ha of greenness around the River Taro, in the middle of the migration routes of several bird breeds. So, choose your favourite path, wear your trainees and get ready to enjoy Parmesan wilderness!

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 visit to the castle 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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