Parma, Verdi's hometown in the heart of Italian Food

Moving outside Parma in the beautiful hills of Colli di Parma, it is possible to visit local farms and wine cellars, authentic dairies and the many producers of Parma ham. Here you can taste, get insight into the process and the story behind the famous products and maybe get a little salami to take back home in your luggage. Not for nothing is referred to Parma and the surrounding area as the heart of the valley of Italian Food. Here's gastronomy is an important part of the history, culture and art. A gourmet experience second to none!

Medieval architecture and the atmospheric center  

Parma, whose first foundations were laid during the Roman Empire, speaks not only to the sense of taste and gastronomy interests. A walk in the center of the atmospheric narrow streets or along the river (lungo Parma) provides immediate impression of the city's unique history and cultural heritage. The Cathedral which rises majestically in the center of town was built in the Middle Ages and is one of Italy's most important examples of Romanesque architecture. 

The dome of the church interior is decorated with overwhelming frescos of the famous Renaissance painter and Parma's main artist Antonio Allegri Correggio. He not only enriched the city's cathedral with its fascinating art, but has left its mark in several places in Parma (e.g in the beautiful convent of San Paolo). A selection of his many masterpieces can be seen at the National Museum of Pilotta. 

In addition to the church is the Baptistery (il Battistero), especially famous for its architecture which characterizes the transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. The design in pink marble and its interior with the many frescoes fascinates even after repeated visits. Along with dåbskapellerne in Florence and Pisa, it is considered one of the most well-known and well-preserved in Italy.

Not far from the church are Piazzale della Pace with the magnificent Renaissance palace Palazzo della Pilotta built in 1500 of the wealthy and influential family Farnese. The palace houses a library of 1700 pieces over two museums, the Archaeological Museum and the National Gallery, known for works of, among others, Leonardo da Vinci, El Greco, Correggio and Parmigianino. 

Most overwhelming, however, Teatro Farnese, the baroque theater built in 1600 by the architect Giovan Battista Aleotti, violently damaged during World War II, but rebuilt according to the original drawings and materials. The unique theater cladded in wood is considered one of the most important historic theaters in the world. With room for 1500 spectators today it is used as an arena for concerts and other events. Teatro Farnese is not the only theater found in Parma. Teatro Reggio and Nicolo Paganini Auditorium is home to both concerts and performances throughout the year.

DI Giuseppe Verdi's footsteps 

Teatro Reggio is not nearly as well known as La Scala in Milan and La Fenice in Venice but the usual opera-goers find that it can measure up to the internationally more famous opera houses. The neo-classical theater was built in the 1800s, commissioned by Marie Louise of Austria, Napoleon's second wife. Order tickets in advance online from home and enjoy an evening with the locals to the music from international artists.

The elegant Teatro Reggio testify to the unique role of opera and classical music playing from Parma's history and cultural heritage and was world-renowned for Giuseppe Verdi. The influential composer was born in 1813 near Parma, where he grew up and wrote some of his many masterpieces. Today you can visit his childhood home in Roncole (a small town outside of Parma). Not far from here in the town of Busseto you can immerse yourselves in "il maestro's" artistic work in the Museo Nazionale Giuseppe Verdi dedicated to the composer's life and work. It is also possible to get shown round on a tour at Villa Sant'Agata, Verdi's estate and house as an adult. Take the train or car and enjoy a day trip in the rolling countryside to the sound of one of history's most famous composers.

Exclusive shopping and relaxing in the park   

The Cathedral, Palazzo Pitti, Teatro Reggio and Giuseppe Verdi's fascinating historical monuments and world-famous works of art and when you're saturated in the cultural and artistic impressions, you can visit one of the many parks (Parco Ducale, Cittadella or Parco Ferrari). Manicured lawns, a profusion of flowers and beautiful fountains make Parma's many green spaces for true oases in the city uproar. They offer plenty of play areas for the family's youngest members. Let the kids loose and have a rest under the shade of a tree.

You can also relax and enjoy life by shopping in the many exclusive shops the city has to offer. Visit the many shops in Via Repubblica or in the small district in and around Via Farini, rich in small local clothing and designer shops. 

Monuments, museums, castles, mountains and hills, parks and unforgettable gastronomic secrets. Parma is all this and more. Visit the Food Valley, challenge your taste buds and feel at first hand the many passions for life this famous Italian city hides. 

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