7 Best Places To Visit In Parma, Italy

Looking for the best places to visit in Parma, Italy? You are in the right place. Known for its great architecture, music, art, prosciutto (ham), cheese, and surrounding countryside, Parma is always eager to exhibit its beauty. After Bologna, the region’s capital, Parma is the second most populous city in Emilia-Romagna. The University of Parma, one of the world’s oldest universities is located here. Get our free Travel Checklist

There are a lot of things to see and do in this city. In case you want to travel, here are some of the most memorable spots to see first:

Visit Parma Cathedral (Cattedrale di Parma)

The cathedral, which is located in the historic old town’s Piazza del Duomo, has a significant role in the city’s history. The cathedral which is referred to as a Parma cathedral has a lot of lovely decorations inside, but the main focal point is the magnificent fresco on the main dome.

A series of big decorative arches adorn the church’s front façade, and a massive campanile sits adjacent to it to complete its beauty.

Parma Cathedral, which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is regarded as one of Italy’s best Romanesque cathedrals and is famed for its stunning interior frescoes.

This fresco, which depicts the Virgin’s ascension and was painted by Correggio, is still vibrant today and is regarded as a magnificent example of Renaissance art.

Enjoy your visit to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

The Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is located south of the cathedral in the medieval town center, is one of Parma’s most picturesque squares to see.

The majestic Palazzo del Governatore, the Comune di Parma, and the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle are among the prominent structures that surround this area. A bronze statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, which helped to unify Italy, stands in front of the Palazzo del Governatore.

This is a wonderful spot to unwind, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to choose from.

Check out Teatro Farnese

The Teatro Farnese, which was built in the 1600s and could seat an audience of 4,500 people at the time, is one of the most well-known examples of a wooden theatre that still survives today in the Palazzo della Pilotta complex.

A series of elegant wooden arches surround the semi-circular seats, which would have acted as boxes for Parma’s rich elite.

Despite being severely destroyed during World War II, the theatre has now been completely reconstructed, and you may still appreciate the beautiful wood seating and walls.

Make sure you see Palazzo della Pilotta

This complex, which was built in the late 1500s, was used as a royal palace as well as a court. On the banks of the Torrente Parma River, this massive complex is one of the largest in Parma, and it is set in magnificent surroundings.

The National Gallery, the Biblioteca Palatina, and the beautiful Teatro Farnese are all located inside the complex.

A unique blend of simple stone architecture with adorned facades and elegant arched pathways resulted from parts of the project that were left incomplete.

Have a tour of Parma’s Parco Ducale

This park, which spans over 200 square meters and is simply known as “The Garden,” is located across the river from the Palazzo della Pilotta and is one of Parma’s most popular spots for amusement.

There are several magnificent parks in Parma, but none are as big and lush as the huge Parco Ducale.

The entire layout and aesthetics of the park are fantastic, and if you’re searching for a place to unwind, the Parco Ducale is the place to go.

Various nice pathways lined with trees and plants, as well as the wonderful Fontana del Trianon, which is encircled by a gorgeous body of water, can be found throughout the park.

See The National Archaeological Museum

Another noteworthy establishment inside the Palazzo della Pilotta complex is the National Archaeological Museum, which was created in 1790 and contains a fantastic collection of ancient objects and relics.

A spectacular exhibit of artifacts from the Emilia-Romagna region from the Bronze Age and Iron Age is also on display to visitors.

A gigantic head of the Greek god Zeus, artifacts from Palatine Hill excavations, different ancient Egyptian findings, and a collection of Greek Vases and pottery are among the many items on display today in the museum.

Visit Castello di Torrechiara with its Golden Chamber

Torrechiara, a quiet little village near Parma, offers a different experience if you are seeking a day excursion.

The castle’s architecture is stunning, but the interior is also impressive, with several elegantly designed chambers, including the famed Camera d’Oro (Golden Chamber).

This picturesque village, which is located to the south of Parma and takes around 35 minutes to reach by vehicle, is surrounded by stunning Italian scenery. Make sure you check it out on your visit to Parma.

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