- Parma is the historical capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, which existed as a sovereign state for nearly 300 years.
- The city has been a designated UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015, the first in Italy to receive this recognition.
- Parma served as the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020/21, an unusual distinction extended due to the global pandemic.
- The city’s dialect, Parmigiano, is a distinct Gallo-Italic language, significantly different from standard Italian.
- Parma is the home of the world's oldest pasta manufacturer, Barilla, which originated here as a small bread and pasta shop in 1877.
About Parma
Parma is a distinguished city in the Emilia-Romagna region, world-renowned for its culinary contributions, particularly Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano. The city center is dominated by the Romanesque Parma Cathedral [11361] and the adjacent Baptistery of Parma [30651], showcasing notable medieval architectural precision. Culture enthusiasts gravitate toward the Teatro Regio [7301] and the historical Farnese Theater [22957] housed within the vast Palazzo della Pilotta [6081]. Residents often congregate in the urban green space of Parco Ducale [452763], reflecting the city's commitment to preserving aristocratic landscaping.
Highlights of Parma
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Features a renowned 12th-century dome fresco painted by Correggio.
Temples
Constructed from pink Verona marble, this structure bridges the architectural gap between Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Museums
This massive complex serves as the city's primary repository for art, housing both the National Gallery and the historic Farnese Theater.
Venues
An iconic venue for opera lovers that maintains a prestigious program of classical performances.
Venues
This unique 17th-century wooden theater retains an original tiered design that is rare in modern European architecture.
Parks
A historic garden commissioned by the Farnese family that remains a primary recreational area for the city.
Museums
Home to major works by Leonardo da Vinci and Parmigianino, it is one of the most important art galleries in Northern Italy.
Parks
A large pentagonal star-shaped park built in the 16th century, perfect for walking along the ancient ramparts.
Top things to do in Parma
The 225 highest-rated places in Parma, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Parma Cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque landmark featuring a notable transition to Gothic elements in its construct...
2
Historical places
Torrechiara Castle is a 15th-century fortress located on a hill overlooking the Parma Valley in the Emilia-Romagna regio...
3
Museums
The Palazzo della Pilotta is a massive 16th-century complex in Parma housing the National Gallery, the Teatro Farnese, t...
4
Parks
Parco della Cittadella is a historic public park situated within the pentagonal defensive walls of a late 16th-century f...
5
Venues
Teatro Regio is a neoclassical opera house commissioned by Maria Luigia, Duchess of Parma, and inaugurated in 1829. It s...
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Parks
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Museums
8
Venues
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Museums
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Venues
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Parks
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Places of interest
13
Museums
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Historical places
15
Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Parks
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Venues
20
Historical places
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Temples
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
26
Historical places
27
Historical places
28
Parks
29
Zoos
30
Parks
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Parma on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Parma
May to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and allows for comfortable exploration of the city's plazas and parks.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to explore the historic core, visit the major museums, and experience the local gastronomy.
The city center is highly walkable, though there is a local bus network and cycling is a popular local method of transport.
Staying near the historic center (Centro Storico) provides the best access to the primary cultural sites and dining establishments.
Mid-range; while luxury options exist, the city is accessible for travelers seeking high-quality regional food and accommodation without extreme capital city prices.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 225 curated attractions in and around Parma, ranked by traveller ratings.
Parma Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Parma right now.
The largest category is temples, with 79 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
Explore more of Italy
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
