The City: A "Little Paris"

Founded by the Romans in 183 BC along the historic Via Aemilia, Parma is a city that breathes history. Its golden age began in 1545 with the foundation of the Duchy of Parma by Pope Paul III (Farnese family), who maintained control until 1731.

It was during these years that the city was enriched by the works of masters like Parmigianino and Correggio, two of the most celebrated painters of the Italian sixteenth century. During the Napoleonic era, Parma began to be called the "Little Paris" for its elegance and the buildings commissioned by Marie Louise of Habsburg, Napoleon's wife and the city's beloved duchess.

Parma also has a rebellious soul: in 1922, it distinguished itself by fighting fascist militias, erecting the famous barricades in the Oltretorrente district.

Parma Today
Today it is a lively city of about 180,000 inhabitants and many university students. It is home to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Scientific Investigations Department (RIS), and the Po River Basin Authority.

What to see in Parma

Parma is a human-scale city: everything is just around the corner! Here are the places you cannot miss:

  • Pilotta and Piazzale della Pace: A unique monumental complex. Inside you will find the magnificent Teatro Farnese (entirely made of wood, once flooded for naval battles!), the National Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, and the Palatine Library.
  • Duomo and Battistero: The religious heart of the city. Admire the cathedral frescoes and the pink Carrara marble of the Baptistery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
  • Teatro Regio: One of the most famous opera houses in the world, a temple of opera music and Giuseppe Verdi.
  • Parco Ducale: If you want to relax, this is the place. Don't miss the Palazzo Sanvitale and a walk around the lake.
  • Giardini di San Paolo: A hidden oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a quiet break.
  • Cittadella: A pentagon-shaped park just outside the center. Born as a fortress, today it is the green lung where locals run and train.
  • Chiesa della Steccata: With its Greek cross plan, it houses the tombs of the Farnese family, the ancient dukes of the city.
  • Oltretorrente and Chiesa dell'Annunziata: This is the most "authentic" and heroic district of the city, famous for the anti-fascist resistance and its popular soul.
  • Stadio Tardini: The home of Parma Calcio, just a stone's throw from the center.