Parma is the gastronomic center of the “Italian Food Valley”—and also a city whose culture can be explored through music, museums and historic sites. The Teatro Regio brings these perspectives together: construction began in 1821, and it opened in 1829 in the neoclassical style. Its history of construction offers a cultural counterpoint to the culinary traditions for which Parma is also known.
A city with a culinary identity
Parma’s gastronomic identity includes Prosciutto di Parma (DOP), Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP), Culatello di Zibello (DOP), Salame Felino (IGP), Spalla Cotta di San Secondo and Fungo Porcino (IGP). The range of products shows that Parma’s food scene is not limited to a single product. The city also hosts important food-related events, including the international food fair Cibus. Since dates vary, check the event dates if a fair is one of the reasons for your trip.
Music and the history of sound
At the Teatro Regio, you can take a guided tour of about 30 minutes in Italian or English to see the foyer, auditorium and Ridotto. If you plan to visit, check the visitor services before your trip.
The Casa del Suono explores a very different chapter in the history of music. It is housed in the former Church of Santa Elisabetta, dating from the mid-17th century, and traces the history of sound reproduction devices: from the phonograph to the gramophone, radio, tape recorder, Compact Disc and iPod. The Casa del Suono also houses a collection of sound-producing devices and facilities with innovative sound reproduction systems. Scientific and artistic research, education and outreach are also among its offerings.
The Museo Casa Natale Arturo Toscanini also offers a personal glimpse into the city’s history: it is located in the musician’s birthplace in the Oltretorrente district. Arturo Toscanini was born there on March 25, 1867. The Museo Glauco Lombardi, in turn, is dedicated to the artistic and documentary heritage of several periods of rule in Parma. These include the Bourbon period from 1748 to 1802 and from 1847 to 1859, as well as the Ludovician period from 1816 to 1847. The museum offers guided tours, meetings and conferences. The ducal fortepiano is part of the “Musica al Museo” musical series.
Gardens and routes through the city
The Parco Ducale offers a change of pace from cultural sites to a historic garden landscape with centuries-old trees. From 1560, the park was laid out as an elegant Italian-style garden and was later redesigned in the French style. An island with the 18th-century Fontana del Trianon fountain sits in a historic fishpond. The park also has a children’s play area, walking and sports paths, a dog area, a kiosk and benches. If you plan to use any of these facilities, it is worth checking their current status.
For finding your way around the city, the municipal Parma Welcome app brings together information about sights, churches, museums, castles, works of art, cultural events, exhibitions, installations, routes and dining. This lets you include themes such as art, music and food side by side in your own plans.
Parma railway station is about a ten-minute walk from the historic center. Trains from northern and central Italy, as well as some European cities, serve Parma. The city is also accessible by plane and motorway; cars are not allowed to enter the city center. Check current connections and access regulations before travelling.
Discover more destinations
Borghetto, Borgo Val Di Taro, Corniglio, Salsomaggiore Terme, Zibello, Soragna, Sala Baganza, Parma, Noceto, Medesano, Fontevivo, Fontanellato, Collecchio, Sant Andrea Bagni, Monticelli Terme, Valmozzola, Signatico, Varano De' Melegari, Fidenza, Ravarano, Fornovo Di Taro, Formiano, Calestano, Sissa, San Secondo Parmense, Colorno, Polesine Parmense, Compiano, Torrile, Pellegrino Parmense, Bedonia, Arola, Busseto, Vigatto, Lagrimone, Albareto, Monchio Delle Corti, Ponte Taro, Berceto, Terenzo, Roccabianca, Sasso, Santa Maria Del Piano, Langhirano, Roccaprebalza, Torrechiara, Ozzano Taro, Bardi, Sorbolo, Pieveottoville, Banca, Traversetolo, Pannocchia, Neviano Degli Arduini, Tizzano Val Parma, Pagazzano, Roncopascolo, San Prospero, Montechiarugolo, Varsi, Varano Marchesi, Orzale, Diolo, Pianelletto, Bore, Felino, Sanguigna, Bagni di Tabiano, Tabiano Castello, San Polo, Ostia Parmense, Valditacca, Vignale, Lesignano de' Bagni, Lemignano, Marore, Botteghino, Vicomero, Case Vecchie, Felegara, Fontanelle, Porcigatone, Cedogno, Solignano
For the regional travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.
