Location: Parma
Top Things to do in Parma
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Parma, Emilia-Romagna
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.
Restaurants in Parma
1. Teatro Farnese
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,251 reviews
Splendida ricostruzione di teatro farnesiano nel palazzo della pilotta
Reviewed By whitefish8
Great to visit this amazing theatre with very few people (there were two others when we visited). The Fornastetti plates sitting in seats was a great idea. This theatre is early 17th C and you can see all the ancient beams as you walk behind. Really kool.
2. Caseificio San Pier Damiani
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Cheese factory producing handcrafted Parmesan cheese since 1965. Opportunity to visit the factory and to attend at milk transformation from the curd to the round of Parmesan cheese. Tasting point.
Reviewed By stephanief870
We had a wonderful tour with Roberta this morning. She was lovely and enthusiastic about the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making process. The tour held the attention of all three kids (11-17) and us parents too. The visit was easy to coordinate and the drive there was beautiful as well. 5 stars!
3. 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!
4. Monastero di San Giovanni Evangelista
5. Museo Lombardi - Marie Louise and Napoleon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Marie Louise of Austria, Empress of France as second wife of Napoleon, after his fall was destined to Parma, small but strategic Duchy. There she became an attentive and caring sovereign, still beloved nowadays. Her magnificent collections and memorabilia both from the Empire and the Ducal period passed to her daughter's family, from which Glauco Lombardi bought them aiming to found a Museum which finally opened in 1961. It is thus possible to discover her inner sensibility along with the events that transformed Europe in the XIX century, experiencing the art and life of that era.
Reviewed By Gingerpumpkin
Interesting small museum with some really incredible objects. Look out for the amazing dresses and beautiful jewels.
6. Cattedrale di Parma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,526 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
The cathedral is a must-see and was one of the highlights of our day trip to Parma. It is right next door to the Baptistery, so you can see both together. An added bonus is that entry is free. The only drawback is that there is not a lot of information inside - there are some English and Italian signs but not much. We didn't do a tour and in hindsight, it would have been helpful to have at least read something about it beforehand. MAIN FEATURES • The walls of the entire nave are painted with colourful scenes from the Bible, telling the story of Jesus’ life and Old Testament stories. • The Cupola is painted with a 3D perspective by Correggio (1526). The 3D effect is quite incredible. Mary is ascending to Heaven in a whirlpool of clouds and angels. It amused us that the artist had discreetly painted Mary with her dress and robes tucked modestly in around her legs and her feet dangling - not very dignified way. I guess it was a bit of a problem to paint a realistic 3D image and not have Mary with her dress billowing out above the heads of the congregation below. • The Deposition by Benedetto Antelami – this one is easy to miss because it is tucked away on the right hand side of the church. It is a large stone plaque fixed to the side wall so it’s much plainer than the frescoed walls or cupola and doesn't grab your attention. It is dated from 1178 and was most likely part of an altar. Jesus is at the centre, his lifeless body being supported by John as he is taken down from the cross. On the right, Roman soldiers are gambling between themselves for Jesus’ clothes. We puzzled at first over a lot of small holes punched across the stonework. It turns out that each of the holes would have been studded with a precious jewel which made us realise that the sculpture would have looked quite different in its's day and definitely didn't always look this plain. • I particularly liked the 2 stylised stone lions flanking the outside doors – they made a great photo.
7. Battistero di Parma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,869 reviews
Reviewed By dyonai - Tel Aviv, Israel
This octagonal was build at the end of the 12th century, while transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. Inside it is covered with frescoes from foundation to the top.A unique Medival monument.
8. Camera di San Paolo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By 968nicholash - London, United Kingdom
This single room has some of the most amazing frescoes among all the many great examples I saw on my visit to the Emilia Romagna region. They are deeply disruptive, portraying some distinctly unpleasant behaviour by a whole range of very naughty Putti! A must see if you come to Parma.
9. Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata (Madonna della Steccata)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
Reviewed By FrequentFlier734242 - Moscow, Russia
This Church in honor of our lady was built in 1521 -1539 in imitation of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. It was painted by Parmigianino (1530-1540), a famous portrait painter and engraver. There is also the tomb of the Dukes of the house of Farnese and the Bourbons.
