Explore Parma, My Hometown: The City of Parmesan Cheese, Prosciutto and Giuseppe Verdi
Curated By
Francesca Zanetti
Curator’s statement
Parma, considered the capital of the food valley, has a very interesting history. Founded by the Romans in 183 BC, along the Via Emilia. This is the Roman road built to connect the Adriatic coast to Piacenza and used to colonize northern Italy. Parma was a type of Roman shield, and its name stayed with the city. Today, the Via Emilia is still the main road just off the toll road. It connects the main cities of Emilia Romagna, the food valley and the motor valley, including the city of Modena where Ferrari and Maserati cars are built. The history of my hometown is over 2,000 years and includes a lot of interesting art, music and amazing food.
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Things to do in Parma, Italy
A visit to Parma should include a walking tour of the center of town, starting from the main square on the Via Emila, Piazza Garibaldi, that used to be the Roman Forum. Several beautiful cafes are here, sip coffee and enjoy the view. Then an easy walk takes you to the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistry, both built between the 1060 and 1120. On this beautiful square on one side, you find one of my favorite restaurants, Angiol D'or. On the opposite side is one of my favorite hotels, Palazzo Rosa Prati.
The walking tour of the center should also include a visit to the museum Pilotta. It was built in 1583 by the Farnese, with several museums showcasing historic and artistic collections. Including rom the Roman times to the Egyptian times and the collections from the old rulers of our town, including the Farnese of Florance and the Borbones (kings of Naples) and Maria Luigia of Austria (second wife of Napoleon and Duchess of the kingdom of Parma, 1814/1847).
A beautiful museum with a collection of items from Maria Luigia is also nearby to learn more about her life and the kingdom she built in Parma.
A visit to the Teatro Regio should also be planned. They often offer tours in different languages. If it is the Opera Season, check also on the opportunity to see a performance while you are in town.
Parma also offers many interesting, historic and tasty spots to visit in the countryside, including several stunning Castles (like Torrechiara, which was featured in several movies including Lady Oak). You have an opportunity to visit one of the farms that produce Parmesan Cheese. Or visit one of the factories that produce Prosciutto.
Two of the most famous food products of Italy that have been produced in the Parma area, following the same protocol for hundreds of years. My mom has been a tour guide in Parma for many years and it is great to experience the amazing history of my town every time I visit. I invite you to do the same and enjoy Parma.
Day trips:
Parma also offers many interesting, historic and tasty spots to visit in the countryside, including several stunning Castles (like Torrechiara, which was featured in several movies including Lady Oak). You have an opportunity to visit one of the farms that produce Parmesan Cheese. Or visit one of the factories that produce Prosciutto. Two of the most famous food products of Italy that have been produced in the Parma area, following the same protocol for hundreds of years.
A relaxing day trip can be included with a visit to one of the historic Spas of the area, including Salsomaggiore. With the beautiful art-deco building used by Bernardo Bertolucci for the movie The Last Emperor. A gourmet day trip can include a visit to the Museo of Cultello and a meal at Relais Antica Corte Pallavicino and a visit to the Rocca di Soragna.
Places to eat & drink in Parma, Italy
Angiol D'or
La Greppia
La Filoma
Outside town:
Trattoria Leoni
Antica Corte Pallavicina
Pepen: Located in town for the best sandwiches, including one with horsemeat (a local delicacy introduced by Maria Luigia).
Need to know
Parma is also a great spot to plan a cooking class to learn how to make Tortelli, the local type of pasta with a filling of parmesan cheese, Swiss chard and egg.
Travel Advisor
Francesca Zanetti
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Gillian Spatz's guide, The Top Things to Do in Parma, Italy: Unveiling Hidden Gems & Cultural Delights.