Parma

The monumental symbol of Parma is located right in the heart of the city, next to the marble Baptistery. The Parma Cathedral was built in 1074, and it is one of the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. Its magnificent cupola is covered in frescoes by Correggio, a masterpiece that worth a visit on its own. In addition, inside the cathedral you can also admire works of art, frescoes and sculptures made by the most representative artists of the Italian Middle Ages.

Monastero San Giovanni Evangelista is actually a monastery complex that includes a church, a convent and the Historical Pharmacy San Giovanni. It was built during the 10th century for the Benedectine Order, and it fully represents the principles of Romanesque architecture. Inside you can admire frescoes, sculptures and the ancient books housed in the monastic library. Normally, it is freely open to the public, and it is easily reached on foot — only few metres from the Cathedral of Parma.

This ancient cathedral is the epitome of Renaissance architecture. Indeed it is considered the most beautiful church in the entire Parma region. Built between the 1521 and the 1539, it is the result of work of many important local artists of the period. Among others, you will find the painter Parmigianino's stunning fresco called "Le vergini sagge e le vergini stolte" (Wise and foolish virgins), the most elaborated work in the entire church.

Palazzo della Pilotta dates back to the 16th century. The name of the building comes from the ancient game "pelota" often played in the courtyards of the estate. The particular disposition of its corridors forms a sort of fortress with several courtyards and extensions. Today, the palace hosts several museums, among them are National Gallery, the Palatine Library and the Archeological Museum. Inside the building there is also a theatre, and during summer outdoor events are organised in its gardens.

The Castle of Roccabianca dates back to 1400. It was built by request of Pier Maria Rossi as a gift to his beloved Bianca Pellegrini. The castle has beautiful frescoes; literature buffs in particular will love Griselda's Room with its cycle of paintings inspired by the 100th story of the Decameron. In the castle you will also find the Museum of Distillery, where you can learn about local spirits, before tasting them.

Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest masters of opera, is celebrated by his hometown every year during the Verdi Festival. A series of concerts and performances dedicated to the brilliant creator of Nabucco and La Traviata are organised both in Parma and Busseto, during October. In this period, Parma is filled with music more than ever. Let yourself be captivated by this marvellous atmosphere and experience opera in its homeland.

The Ducal Palace, also known as Reggia di Colorno, is 30 minutes by bus from Parma. Inspired by the Versailles Palace in France, Ducal Palace was built in the early 18th century by Francesco Farnese, Duke of Parma, to cover the remains of a former ruins of the Fortress of Colorno. Inside, you can admire collections and exhibitions. If you are lucky enough to visit during the warm season, you will be enchanted by the magnificent Italian gardens surrounding the estate, where many events are organised by night during summer.

If you are interested in painting, you cannot miss the gallery Pinacoteca Stuard. In this museum, located in a beautiful ancient cloister, you can marvel at a collection of portraits, antiques and tapestry masterpieces that belonged to the Stuard family from the 14th to the 20th century.

The National Gallery is the main museum within Palazzo della Pilotta. It is all about painting! The collection hosted here was property of the Farnese family. The permanent exhibition features over 700 pieces: paintings, drawings, sculptures, architectural decorations and objects of applied arts dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the hundreds of paintings displayed here, you will find masterpieces by some of the greatest Italian artists: Leonardo, Correggio and Parmigianino.

The Diocesan Museum is housed in the Bishop's Palace of Piazza Duomo. It hosts numerous remnants of the ancient roman city, including some original parts of the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The collection may not be impressively large, but everything is well displayed and sculpture enthusiasts will not be disappointed.

Immerse yourself in the history of Parma and discover the tradition of perfume and the main characters of its supply chain in the region from 1816 till now. The greenhouses Ducal Park will introduce you to the famous Violetta di Parma. The love of Maria Luigia of Austria for this gorgeous flower are on display at the Glauco Lombardi Museum. Stop by the Acqua di Parma flagship store — one of the historic perfumeries in the city centre that had an enormous influence on the perfume industry worldwide, especially when it comes to packaging. Violetta di Parma 1930 shop will give you a glimpse into the life of Ludovico Borsari and his company, as well as contemporary local glass industry represented by the Bormioli Company.

Parma Ham Museum guides you through the history of prosciutto, which goes further back than you might imagine! The best part, however, is the attached restaurant with exceptional food quality and reasonable prices. This palace is a must for prosciutto fans. Make sure to order the local focaccia fritta with a selection of mature cheeses.