Discover Parma: A Guide to Its Historical and Culinary Treasures

Parma's rich history is less visible in its Roman roots and more in the legacy of the Farnese dukes and its French influence under Marie Louise, Napoleon's wife. Today, Parma is renowned for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and as the birthplace of the 15th-century painter Correggio, opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, and conductor Arturo Toscanini.

Begin your Parma exploration at Piazza Garibaldi, home to the Palazzo del Governatore with its astronomical clock. Enjoy a cappuccino at a local café before touring the city. Renting a car is recommended for visiting the surrounding countryside.

1. Duomo (Cathedral)

The 12th-century Romanesque cathedral at Piazza del Duomo features a fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin by Correggio and early Christian mosaics in its crypt.

2. Baptistery

The octagonal marble Baptistery showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with vibrant frescoes and 13th-century reliefs inside.

Top-Rated walking tours in Parma

3. Teatro Farnese (Farnese Theater)

Housed in the Palazzo della Pilotta, this wooden theater is a reconstruction of the original 17th-century structure, known for its simplicity and proscenium arch.

4. Teatro Regio (Royal Theater)

The neoclassical Teatro Regio is famous for its lavish interior and challenging acoustics. It hosts the annual Verdi festival and offers guided backstage tours.

5. Palazzo della Pilotta and National Gallery

The unfinished Palazzo della Pilotta contains the Galleria Nazionale, with works by Correggio, Parmigianino, and other masters, as well as a historic theater and library.

6. Camera di San Paolo

Antonio da Correggio's early frescoes adorn the Camera di San Paolo, once the private quarters of Abbess Giovanna Piacenza.

7. Shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata

This Renaissance church features frescoes by Parmigianino and a large fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin by Michelangelo Anselmi.

8. San Giovanni Evangelista (St. John the Evangelist Church)

Adjacent to the cathedral, this church boasts frescoes by Correggio and Parmigianino, and an old apothecary shop run by monks.

9. Parco Ducale

The restored gardens of the Palazzo Ducale offer a tranquil setting for strolls and picnics, with guided tours available.

10. Castello dei Burattini

This museum displays handcrafted puppets by the Ferrari family, with exhibits of marionettes, playbills, and stage equipment.

11. Day Trips from Parma

Explore the castle in Torrechiara or the UNESCO-listed town of Sabbioneta, showcasing Renaissance urban planning.

12. Parma Vecchia

Visit the old town across the river for historical churches and the birthplace of Arturo Toscanini.

Where to Stay in Parma for Sightseeing

Choose from luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels, all within walking distance of Parma's main attractions.

More Things to See and Do

Explore nearby cities like Bologna and Modena, or venture further to Verona and Lake Garda for more Italian charm.