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.