Parma

Parma, Italy

Speaking of Parma, the first things that come to mind are probably ham and Parmesan cheese. Indeed, Parma is one of the most important culinary centres of Italy, but this city is so much more than that. Parma was the capital of a very powerful duchy, which left a legacy of stunning monuments and palaces. In addition, the splendour of that period created fertile grounds for the flourishing of art. In fact, Parma became one of the main centres for opera, thanks to its amazing theatres and its fine citizen Giuseppe Verdi.

Population:

197,132

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 113
Carabinieri (Police): 112
Vigili del fuoco (Fire Brigade): 115
Ambulanza (Ambulance): 118

Opening Hours:

Shops are usually open between 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Larger shops are normally open continuously during the day and on Sundays.

Newspapers:

La Gazzetta di Parma

The City

Parma, ancient capital of the namesake Duchy, has been set to music by Giuseppe Verdi, narrated by Giovanni Guareschi and immortalised in film by Bernardo Bertolucci. It is one of the cities in Italy with the best standard of living and the highest levels of culture and cuisine. Indeed, in this region two of the most celebrated food products in the world are made: Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, together with culatello and Felino salami.

Beyond being one of the capitals of Italy’s food industry, Parma is also an important artistic and cultural centre. The city, features a series of splendid art works and buildings, including the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monastery of San Giovannni Evangelista, as well as plenty of theatres and palaces legacy of the ducal family. In addition, Giuseppe Verdi was born in the nearby, and many of his operas are performed in the city’s magnificent opera house.

So get prepared for a full immersion in art and culture, in all their possible forms!

Do & See

Parma is not only rich when it comes to food, but also a city with an impressive cultural and artistic tradition. This alluring town will for sure conquer you with its important art galleries, museums, ancient churches and buildings as well as stunning natural reserves and green areas in its vicinity. In this region you will find the right balance between cultural activities and active holiday, so to fully experience a perfect stay in Italy.

Dining

Parmesan cuisine is full of variety. First and foremost, the city has given its name to several prized dairy and meat products, the highlights of which are undeniably Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) and Parma ham. As in the rest of Italy, meals are accompanied by local high-quality wines such as the reds Colli di Parma and Lambrusco, or the whites Sauvignon and Malvasia.

The real autochthonous queens of the kitchen are the so-called "rezdore", all the grandmothers and mothers who are capable to make real Parmesan dishes according to the tradition. But if you don't know anyone from here, you can taste local specialties in the numerous restaurants, agritourisms and trattorias scattered all around the city and in the neighborhoods.

Cafes

During your tour around the city, in-between all the amazing sights, you deserve to sit back, relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee accompanied by a delicious Italian pastry. One cake not to be missed is the Duchessa di Parma (Parma duchess), a rich cake with zabaglione and chocolate ganache dedicated to Maria Luigia Duchess (Napoleon’s wife). Parma, like any other city in Italy, has several historic cafes and ice cream parlours, but also modern and lively bars where to enjoy nice aperitifs before to start your Parmesan night. Start exploring Parma’s strong cafe culture and try a typical Italian espresso.