Parma
Parma today is most famous for two things - it's exquisite hams and the unique Parmesan cheese. But Parma is much more than a culinary centre, with a number of fine medieval buildings, elegant shops, and excellent restaurants.
One of the most picturesque of piazzas is found in Parma, bounded on one side by the Bishop's Palace, faced by the Duomo, adjacent to the exquisite pink-marbled Baptistry. The Duomo's relatively austere facade belies the magnificence of the fresco-covered interior. The Baptistry (built in 1196) is equally dazzling, with its own array of frescoes and statuary.
Behind the Duomo is the large complex of San Giovanni Evangelista, once a thriving monastery but now open to the general public. The cobblestoned streets around these remnants of medieval wealth are now lined with small shops, the occasional trattoria, and a sprinkling of cafes and gelataria.
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Perhaps the best places to sample some local cappuccino or Italian ice-cream is either below the three sun dials on the facade of the Governor's Palace in Piazza Garibaldi or in the large park overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Pilotta. Prices in Parma are reasonable by comparison to more tourist-dominated cities such as Venice or Verona.
Of course no visit to Parma would be complete without sampling the specially cured Parma Ham, which originates from pigs raised on the whey of Parmesan cheese. The cheese is justly world-famous, and is produced in huge wheels that (together with the huge hams) make a fascinating sight in the markets of north Italy.
Getting There
Parma is on the train line between Bologna and Milan, with most services stopping at the city. The train station is a 15 minute walk from the town centre.
View our Cheap Airline Guide for details of bargain flights to northern Italian destinations.
More Information
Visit the Parma website for more.
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