Parma
Parma is an elegant city renowned globally for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. It also boasts remarkable Renaissance art, including frescoes by Correggio in its stunning cathedral.
Things to do
- Visit the Parma Cathedral — Admire Correggio's breathtaking Assumption fresco inside the dome.
- Tour a Prosciutto Factory — Book a guided tour of a local curing house to see aging Prosciutto di Parma.
- Visit the Baptistery — Explore the pink marble octagonal baptistery decorated with medieval sculptures.
- Attend the Opera — Visit the historic Teatro Regio, one of Italy's most prestigious opera houses.
- Explore Palazzo della Pilotta — See the Farnese Theatre and the National Gallery housed within this vast palace.
- Visit Camera di Correggio — Marvel at Correggio's stunning frescoed ceiling in this intimate Renaissance chamber hidden inside a former convent.
- Explore Parco Ducale — Stroll through this elegant Baroque garden beside the Ducal Palace, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.
- Taste Parmigiano-Reggiano at a Dairy — Book a morning factory tour to watch wheels of aged cheese being made and enjoy a fresh tasting session.
- Visit Museo Nazionale di Archeologia — Discover ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts housed within the impressive Palazzo della Pilotta complex.
- Browse Mercato Oltretorrente — Explore the lively local market in the historic working-class Oltretorrente neighborhood for fresh produce and street food.
Food to try
- Prosciutto di Parma — World-famous sweet-cured ham aged for at least 12 months in the hills.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano — The king of cheeses, aged 12–36 months with a rich, nutty flavor.
- Anolini in Brodo — Small stuffed pasta discs served in a traditional meat broth.
- Culatello di Zibello — A prized, buttery cured pork rump considered finer than regular prosciutto.
Local customs & good to know
- Food pride runs deep — Never call Parmigiano 'Parmesan' to a local — use the proper name.
- Opera culture matters — Parma's opera audience is famously critical; respect the tradition at Teatro Regio.
- Shop at the market — Visit the covered market Mercato Centrale for the most authentic local products.
Nearby
- Reggio Emilia — 26 km
- Cremona (Lombardy) — 44 km
- Modena — 50 km
- Mantua (Lombardy) — 54 km