Parma is one of the largest cities in Northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Apart from its tantalising cuisine, its first-rate art, gorgeous architecture and world-class opera shows make it one of the country’s most captivating cities.
Italian cities are synonymous with eye-catching architecture and Parma’s contributions come in the form of beautiful churches, palazzi and theatres. Head inside Parma Cathedral and you’ll be able to observe its famous frescoes, such as Correggio’s ‘Assumption of the Virgin’. Decorating the dome, it creates the illusion of apostles and clouds floating upwards as Christ descends from the heavens. The adjacent Baptistery of Parma is a wonderful example of the transition from Romanesque to early Gothic architecture, constructed in pink Verona marble. Whether you’re an opera fan or not, you’ll find something to appreciate at the stunning Teatro Regio, or Teatro Farnese with its Renaissance-style wooden interior.
Parma is known for its culinary exports such as Parmesan cheese and prosciutto, which you can try at pretty much any café, bar or restaurant. Other delicacies include culatello salumi and pasta dishes such as tortelli, marubini and anolini.
Get your fill of Parmense art at the National Gallery, housed inside the incredible Pallazo della Pilotta. It’s where you’ll find Parma's main art collection, including works by da Vinci, Canaletto and Botticelli. Notable museums include Museo di Glauco Lombardi which exhibits a variety of 19th-century artefacts relating to the region, and the House of Sound which is devoted to music technology.