Parma
-Capital of art and taste-
The soul of the city
Parma, nestled on the banks of the river that bears its name, is a true pearl of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, situated along the route of the ancient Roman Via Emilia.
The city captivates with its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage and a deep musical tradition: this land is the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi and the final resting place of Niccolò Paganini, two icons of world music. Parma is also universally recognized as a capital of taste.
The famous Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and excellent local wines create a unique gastronomic experience, loved all over the world.
Following in the footsteps of the powerful Farnese family, who left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and culture, we will embark on a fascinating journey through time, letting ourselves be seduced by the timeless elegance of Parma.
Itinerary
Duration
2,5 ore
Meeting point
Palazzo della Pilotta
Step 1
First stop: La Pilotta
Our half-day walk (about 2.5 hours) will begin at the Palazzo della Pilotta, an imposing monumental complex that for centuries was the symbol of the Farnese family’s power.
We will then continue past the Teatro Regio, a refined neoclassical theater born from Duchess Maria Luigia’s love for music: the history of this place truly feels like a splendid operatic aria.
Step 2
Santa Maria della Steccata
We will then enter the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria della Steccata, built on a Greek cross plan and famous for its miraculous image of the Madonna.
Step 2
Parmigianino
Inside awaits a masterpiece by Parmigianino, the famous portrait of a young woman known as “The Turkish Slave” (La Schiava Turca).
Step 3
The heart of Parma
We will breathe in the authentic atmosphere of the city in Piazza Garibaldi, the ancient Roman forum and today the lively heart of the city, surrounded by the Town Hall (Municipio) and the Governor’s Palace (Palazzo del Governatore).
The highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Cathedral and the Baptistery, among the most important examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in northern Italy. Inside the cathedral, we will admire the extraordinary 12th-century sculpture by Benedetto Antelami and the spectacular 16th-century frescoes by Correggio.
More attractions
Famous frescoes by Correggio and the early works of the young Parmigianino (inside the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista)
Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista
Masterpieces by Correggio and Parmigianino, and the extraordinary 17th-century wooden theater (the Teatro Farnese inside the Pilotta complex).
Galleria Nazionale e Teatro Farnese
The evocative Camera di San Paolo, an ancient private room decorated with refined frescoes by Correggio.