Why Parma?
Parma is in the list of
the Italian “Cities of Art” because of the beautiful heritage of
its historical city center. But Parma has become a brand in itself in
these last years thanks to the food produced in the area and the
threads linking the city to music.
The art
The medieval Cathedral square with the wonderful pink marble Baptistry (1196-1307 AD) by Benedetto Antelami and the sober romanesque façade of the Duomo (end of 1100 AD) are two of the highlights in the city center. The Cathedral dome painted by Correggio, displaying the Assumption of Our Lady to Heaven has always been considered one of the masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance (1530-1534). Parmigianino (1503-1540) is another painter who left his masterpieces in the city: his fresco in the Steccata church and the beautiful painted Turkish Slave in the National Gallery are worth a visit. In the Pilotta Palace visitors can't miss the visit to the unique wooden Farnese theatre (1618) an impressing giant space created to entertain the Court in the XVII century. |
The music
Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini are two of the most famous and important musicians of the last two centuries; all opera lovers have heard about these two myths, whose roots here on the Parma territory. Niccolò Paganini, genial violin player and composer is buried in Parma. He was called to the Duchy by Maria Luigia, Napoleon's wife, who ruled the Parma Duchy for 30 years. Paganini performed several times in the Regio Theatre opened in 1829 by the Duchess. |
The food
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Parmesan) and Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma) are the two most famous products from the Parma territory. Both of them were “invented” here some centuries ago and they are still now produced following the same rules, in the same artisanal way. Both of them are 100% natural products without any chemical additives or preservatives. The visit to the Parma area is a feast for the senses and a triumph of flavors and tastes: this is the place for gourmets from all over the world. In addition to the previous two, local cuisine presents: Culatello Ham, strolghino salami, cooked shoulder (spalla cotta), Felino salami. All this produce can be perfectly paired to our local wines: the sparkling Lambrusco and the aromatic Malvasia from the Hills. |
Location
Parma is strategically placed in the heart of the Food Valley: just 1 hour from Milan and Expo 2015, from Bologna and Mantua, 2 hours from La Spezia and 5 terre, Florence and Verona, 3 hours from Venice (by car) and Rome (by train).
Parma is strategically placed in the heart of the Food Valley: just 1 hour from Milan and Expo 2015, from Bologna and Mantua, 2 hours from La Spezia and 5 terre, Florence and Verona, 3 hours from Venice (by car) and Rome (by train).