Location: Parma
Top Things to do in Parma
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10 Historic Sites in Parma That You Shouldn't Miss
Best known for its incredibly edible contributions to world gastronomy (especially parmigiano cheese and Parma ham), Parma has also been revered by opera lovers (who flock to its Teatro Regio) since the days of Verdi, who was born in nearby Roncole. Parma’s many historic sights include the 11th-century cathedral and its baptistry. Begun in the 12th century, it's considered one of medieval Europe’s most important buildings for its straddling of the Romanesque and Gothic architecture periods.
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1. Museo Casa natale Arturo Toscanini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By DB_Silver_Spring - Silver Spring, United States
Great little museum in Toscanini's birthplace where we were able to learn more about his personal history as well as how his life interacted with the history of his times. It was a special treat that the docent gave us a guided tour and had an incredible amount of information and interesting anecdotes to share. Definitely recommend it, not just for music lovers but for anyone interested in history, and also as a change of pace from the more traditional tourist sites. Also - admission is free!
2. Chiesa di Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
3. Storica Spezieria di San Giovanni
4. Sala Consiliare di Girolamo Magnani e Cecrope Barilli
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
5. Palazzo della Pilotta
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 613 reviews
Reviewed By veciaf53 - Reggio Emilia, Italy
Unfinished complex built in the 16th century by the will of the Farnese family. Located in the historic center, with its monumental structure in ancient bricks, overlooks a large open space, redesigned in modern times by Mario Botta. On the outside, a large basin-fountain which, in the plan, reproduces the outline of a church demolished in the Napoleonic era: trees were planted in place of the old columns. After climbing the large entrance staircase, the visit begins in a gigantic hall in which the Farnese Theater was rebuilt (after the damage suffered in WW II) the route continues in a complex labyrinth of halls, rooms, passages and walkways on several levels. The complex houses the National Gallery, the Palatine Library and the Bodonian Museum. The renovation work, designed by Guido Canali, covered the entire route, but the most interesting part is the large reticular structure made of scaffolding pipes, painted in white. This structure supports the gunmetal colored panels on which the exhibited works are hung. The gallery displays works that were part of the Farnese collection: paintings by various authors: Antelami, Beato Angelico, El Greco, Guercino, Correggio, Tiepolo and Canaletto. The iconic works of the gallery are the Scapigliata (by Leonardo, actually lent to the Louvre Museum) and the Turkish Slave (by Parmigianino). The statuary of the Farnese collection is instead largely housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Entrance fee 10€, closing day on Monday.
