Introduction

One of the largest cities in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Parma is one of the country’s most renowned gastronomic centres. Parma ham is the city’s most famous exports, being sold in charcuteries and delicatessens all over the world. The city also gave birth to Parmesan, another staple in Italian cooking; but there’s more to Parma than just food. First established as a settlement in the Bronze Age, Parma has a huge range of architectural styles within its suburbs, as evident from its popular city centre. The city also attracts visitors with a keen interest in opera and classical music, while shopping in Parma is better than in any other part of Emilia-Romagna or in neighbouring Tuscany.

Ideal car

Important things to note

Highlights & Hotspots

The Teatro Regio is the city’s most prominent theatre. World-famous, it hosts sold-out operas and classical music performances by some of the finest performers and orchestras in Italy. Be sure to book tickets well in advance if you want a seat.
Festival Verdi, held in Parma throughout October every year celebrates the life and work of Parma-born composer Giuseppe Verdi. It features live performances of his most famous work in venues all over the city.
Piazza Duomo, the largest square in the city centre, is the best place to see both the city’s cathedral and baptistery. Entry to the cathedral, built in the 12th century, is free of charge. To climb to the top of the baptistery, you need to pay €6.
Parma F.C., the local football team, plays in Serie A, Italy’s top division. Their home ground, the Stadio Ennio Tardini, holds 23,000 fans, while tickets are regularly available and are surprisingly cheap, even to see the biggest teams in the country.