A Brief History

The Roman Roots (2,200 years ago!)

Like many Italian cities, Parma's urban layout was born in the Roman era. After the Second Punic War, Rome needed to strengthen its power in the Po Valley against local uprisings. Thus, it founded several strategic colonies: Parma was born right at this moment.

A Turbulent Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the city saw a frantic succession of dominations: from Odoacer's Goths to the Lombards, up to the Franks. Between the 11th and 12th centuries, it lived the proud experience of an independent commune, only to fall under the control of the powerful lords of Milan, the Visconti and the Sforza.

The Golden Age and the Farnese

The real redemption came in the modern age. After a brief Spanish control under Charles V, the turning point came in 1545. Pope Paul III (of the powerful Farnese family) granted these territories to his son, creating the independent Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. The Farnese ruled, through ups and downs, for centuries.

Curiosity: The Beloved Duchess

After the Napoleonic era, came the rule of Marie Louise of Habsburg (wife of Napoleon himself). She is still perhaps the most beloved historical figure by the people of Parma today! She transformed the city into an elegant and "French" cultural capital, before the Duchy became part of the new Kingdom of Italy in 1860.