Parma is a must-see for those who love gastronomy, culture, and art lovers. It is a city with 197,000 inhabitants nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, renowned and rich in vibrant life and stories to tell. Yes, it’s the one!
If you are wondering what to see in Parma, you should know that the attractions of this city are truly numerous, given the amount of medieval glimpses and architectural and pictorial works of absolute value.
Known as Ducal City, with its elegant historical center that loves classical music and good food, it is the undisputed capital of the Food Valley, welcoming to university students away from home, and proudly proud of the cultural heritage produced over the centuries.
Imagine arriving by train on a fresh sunny day, with the blue sky brightening the Po Valley and making the marbles and bricks of the ancient buildings in the historic center sparkle. Like all Italian art cities, the museums, art galleries, and places of worship are the main heritage: if you want to know what to do in Parma, these will be just some of the must-see attractions you should definitely visit. Discover them with Pizzeria Fra Diavolo, it will be a beautiful journey!
10 things to see in Parma: the perfect itinerary
Among the factors that make Parma an attractive and sought-after tourist destination are certainly the high concentration of things to see and do in a compact area like its historic center. In fact, a traveler passing through Parma can explore wonderful churches, enchanting paintings, medieval glimpses, and good food within a limited radius, even in a single day, capturing the essence of the ducal city.
To outline the perfect itinerary for what to see in Parma in one day, it will be enough to stay within the bounds of the historic center: it is here, in the heart of Parma, that you will find the main attractions!
1. Pilotta Monumental Complex
The historic center of Parma is a continual discovery and is full of artistic gems that do ample justice to the title of “ Italian Capital of Culture” that the city held in 2020 and 2021. But there is one structure that holds crucial importance in the city’s cultural heritage and must be included in any itinerary of things to see in Parma: Palazzo della Pilotta, also known as the Pilotta Monumental Complex.
It is an immense palace with various architectural styles and bodies that was the residence and power center of the Farnese family, who dedicated great attention to the Pilotta especially under the aegis of Duke Ottavio and Ranuccio I.
Today, the Pilotta is a high-level museum institute, which includes five places of absolute culture that you must add to the list of things to visit in Parma: the National Gallery, the Palatine Library, the Farnese Theatre, the Archaeological Museum, and the Bodonian Museum.
National Gallery of Parma
It is the most important museum in Parma. In the exhibition galleries, you will find centuries of culture and creative production, Italian and beyond. Some names of leading artists present in the National Gallery of Parma? In no particular order: Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Correggio, Parmigianino, Canaletto, Giambattista Tiepolo, Antonio Canova, Renato Guttuso. It would truly be a shame not to put the National Gallery of Parma at the top of your list of things to see during a city tour!
Palatine Library
Just walking up the Imperial Staircase, a majestic double staircase that marks the entrance, you can sense the grandeur and magnificence of the Palatine Library. Walking through the rooms, observing the shelf friezes, the vaults, the walls, it seems more like a permanent artistic exhibition than a library. The Palatine Library, with over 800 thousand volumes, including 6 thousand manuscripts, is undoubtedly a must-see place for those who love reading, consultation, and writing.
Farnese Theatre
Monumental, elegant, spectacular: the Farnese Theatre, completely renovated after the bombings of 1944 during World War II, perfectly symbolizes the splendor of life at the Farnese court. It was built by Ranuccio I using light materials such as wood and stucco, evoking a spectacular atmosphere that leaves visitors breathless. Despite its vast capacity and its structure designed to accommodate significant audiences and theater and opera companies, the Theatre was used only in nine official events at the Farnese court.
Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Parma is one of the oldest museums in Italy: established in 1760 to house the precious material from the excavations of the Roman city of Veleia, it has been enriched over more than two centuries with acquisitions of Egyptian, Etruscan, and Roman materials, but above all it has been, since its founding, a reference point for archaeological research in the Duchy.
Bodonian Museum
Currently closed for a new setup, it is still the oldest museum dedicated to printing in Italy: it was inaugurated in 1963 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Giambattista Bodoni, the Piedmontese typographer who made Parma a world capital of printing in the second half of the 18th century.
2. Parma Cathedral
An indispensable starting point among the places to see in Parma, Piazza Duomo, with the Catedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is the most important place of worship in the city, consecrated in 1106. A symbol of Romanesque-Emilian architecture, the Parma Cathedral has a wonderful three-nave structure with a gabled roof, adorned with precious marbles. But it is the Dome that is the star of its decorations: frescoed by the great Parmese painter Correggio, it is one of the most precious Italian works of the 16th century and depicts the Assumption of the Virgin surrounded by apostles, angels, and cherubs.
3. Parma Baptistery
If the Cathedral is beautiful, wait until you discover the architectural perfection of the Parma Baptistery! Positioned in the same square as the Cathedral, the Baptistery is an octagonal building - symbolizing eternity - dedicated to baptisms and stylistically considered the junction between Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The mind behind this splendid structure is Antelami, the master who dedicated his creative genius to the entire building, including the Bas-reliefs with Biblical scenes and the remarkable Gothic sculpture of the Virgin and Child that you can admire on the exterior.
4. Teatro Regio
Parma’s love for classical music and opera is rooted in centuries of history and is symbolized by the Teatro Regio, an 18th-century theater that stands out for its refined decorations and splendid performances. Designed by the architect Antonio Bettoli, the theater was inaugurated in 1829 with the opera “Oberto” by Giuseppe Verdi, who was also born in Parma.
5. Palazzo del Governatore
Located in the main square of the city, this magnificent Renaissance building was the seat of the local government during the years of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. The Palazzo del Governatore is recognized for its elegant facade and its well-kept internal rooms, including the Gothic-style Sala del Consiglio and the Marble Room.
6. Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale, also known as the Duke’s Palace, is an important symbol of the city’s history and splendor. Located in Piazza della Pace, the Palace is a grandiose building that housed the ducal family and has hosted numerous historical events. Today, it is the seat of the Army Command, and visits are possible by reservation.
7. Teatro Farnese
Teatro Farnese is an ancient wooden theater, which once stood inside the Pilotta complex. Originally built in 1618 for the wedding celebrations of Duke Ranuccio I and Margaret of Savoy, it was later completely destroyed during World War II bombings. Today, you can admire its majestic reconstruction, which allows you to appreciate its beauty and historical value.
8. Parco Ducale
After visiting the historical and artistic beauties of Parma, you deserve a moment of relaxation in the Parco Ducale. It is a large park that extends along the banks of the Taro River, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and an artificial lake. This is a peaceful and scenic spot perfect for a pleasant stroll and a break from the city’s bustle.
9. Piazza della Pilotta
A visit to Piazza della Pilotta is a must-see for anyone wanting to admire the grandeur of Parma’s architectural heritage. In this square, you can enjoy the majestic façade of the Pilotta complex and the beautiful Baroque Fountain, which embellishes the area and adds charm to the urban landscape.
10. Orto Botanico
The Orto Botanico, located behind the University of Parma, is a charming botanical garden that offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and observe numerous plant species from around the world. It’s an ideal place to take a peaceful walk and enjoy the beauty of botanical varieties and nature.
These are just some of the attractions in Parma that you should definitely visit. There’s so much more to discover, and every corner of this city will surprise you with its unique charm and rich history.
