Location: Parma
Top Things to do in Parma
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What to do and see in Parma, Emilia-Romagna: The Best Free Things to do
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. Monastero di San Giovanni Evangelista
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Saint Antonio Abate Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
5. passo del Cirone - valico
6. Biblioteca Palatina
7. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Quartiere
8. Scultura di Giuseppe Verdi
9. Parco Ducale
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,343 reviews
Reviewed By Snoekvis
Just lovely. A stroll through this park at any time of year is an utter joy. It is beautifully designed and maintained, with broad walkways that children can run or ride their bikes on. Good place for a picnic, too. And there's a duckpond and fountains to boot. Very central and easy to get to. Don't miss it.
10. Via Emilia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
