Where it is

Parma is located in Northern Italy, in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the heart of the Po Valley, between the Po River to the north and the Apennines to the south, along the historic Via Emilia.

Why visit

Here you can admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Parma Cathedral, a Romanesque-style cathedral designed by Benedetto Antelami and famous for the frescoes adorning the dome, the work of Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio. Next to the Cathedral is the Baptistery of Parma, an octagonal building made of pink Verona marble, considered one of the most important examples of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture.

Continue your journey of discovering Parma's attractions by visiting the Palazzo della Pilotta. This monumental complex houses several museums and art collections, so we recommend dedicating some time to visiting: the National Archaeological Museum, the Farnese Theater, the Palatina Library, the National Gallery, and the Bodoni Museum.

The Galleria Nazionale is a must-see, where you can admire masterpieces by Correggio, Beato Angelico, Leonardo, Cima da Conegliano, Giulio Romano, Van Dyck, Bronzino, Tintoretto, Canaletto, Bellotto, Tiepolo, and many others.

Another highly recommended stop in Parma is the Camera di San Paolo, also known as the Camera della Badessa, a room in the former monastery of San Paolo, famous for being frescoed in 1518-1519 by Correggio.

On the table

Parma is also renowned for its excellent cuisine. The most famous specialty is undoubtedly Parma ham, followed by salami, cooked shoulder, and Culatello di Zibello, one of the world's finest cured meats, made from the most prized part of the pig's leg.

Parmigiano Reggiano, the most famous cheese in the world, produced in the provinces of Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma, Bologna, and Mantua, is a must-see.

Finally, the Valtaro Porcini Mushrooms and the Fragno Black Truffle, as well as the unmistakable wines of the Parma Hills.

Nearby

You can visit charming medieval villages such as Fontanellato (with the Rocca Sanvitale and the Masone Labyrinth), Torrechiara, Castell'Arquato, and Vigoleno, explore nature in parks like Bosco di Carrega, immerse yourself in the flavors of the Food Valley by visiting Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and the Food Museums, relax in Salsomaggiore Terme, or go shopping at the Fidenza Outlet.