Attractions in Parma

Parma may not have the same attractions as Florence and Rome, but the city has more than enough to provide its tourists. In Parma you will find beautiful churches, palaces and an exciting museum.

Parma Cathedral

The Cathedral of Parma is a huge Romanesque church. Unless the church awakens the great ovations from the outside, we can promise you amazing interiors. Find the wonderful sculpture of Benedetto Antelami and the 16th century fresco by the very Corregio itself.

The Cathedral of Parma was begun as early as the year 1059 and is considered one of the most important churches in Italy.

The baptismal chapel in Parma

Right next to the Cathedral of Piazza Duomo in Parma you will find a striking building. The octagonal building appears as a mix of a tower and church building. This is the famous baptismal chapel which offers a fantastic interior through its 13th and 13th century frescoes and paintings.

Look up at the ceiling and you will see something that you almost need to the Sistine Chapel in Rome to find power. No wonder it costs money to come in here.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata

Centrally located in the center of Parma, this Renaissance church is believed by many first-time travelers to be the cathedral. Santa Maria della Steccata is very beautiful both inside and out. The church was built in the early 16th century. Many of the paintings in the church are made by famous artists and prominent people are buried here.

The shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata is located on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi Street, not far from the Teatro Regio and Palazzo della Pilotta.

Palazzo della Pilotta

Close to the historic center of Parma, and still east of the river, you will find the Palazzo della Pilotta. The palace was built in the 1580s and the name comes from the game pelota that Spanish soldiers conducted here when stationed in Parma. Pelota was a sport that can be very reminiscent of squash, ie hitting a ball against a wall, either with a racket or by hand.

In the palace area you will find the archaeological museum, theater, gallery and much more. The address is (of course) Piazza della Pilotta.

This is just off the Ponte Giuseppe Verdi bridge that takes you across the river to the famous parco Ducale. It is also a monument of Verdi in the area of ​​the Palazzo della Pilotta.

Partisanmonumentet

Near the Palazzo della Pilotta towards Via Guiseppe Garibaldi you will find the Partisan Monument or

The monument that was unveiled in 1956 is dedicated to being a protest against Nazi fascism. In 1961 the monument was exposed to vandalism. There is now a copy placed here at the Piazzale della Pace, while the original is at the Villetta burial ground.

Palazzo del Governatore

The Governor’s Palace, or Palazzo del Governatore as it is called in Italian, is a magnificent building from the late 13th century. Palazzo del Governatore is a Romanesque neoclassical building located at Parma’s best address, Piazza Garibaldi.

The Palazzo del Governatore is easily visible with its yellow facade and its large and complex sundial, which at one time was one of the most advanced constructions for telling time.

In front of the Palazzo del Governatore you will find a large monument by Guiseppe Garibaldi.

Botanical Garden in Parma

Orto Botanico di Parma is the official name of the botanical garden in Parma. On warm summer days it is peace of mind to take a walk in the magnificent garden.

You will find the Botanical Garden along the Viale Martiri della Liberta, not far from the historic center. There is free admission every day, and such botanical gardens are not always common.

Museo Glauco Lombardi

It is in fact crowded with museums in Parma. There is no room here to inform everyone, but why not select one and leave it at Museo Glauco Lombardi?

The name of the museum is due to the one who created it, namely Glauco Lombardi (1881 – 1971). He wanted to preserve and document the legacy of 19th-century Parma and “the House of Bourbon”. The house Bourbon was a royal ancestor who ruled in France, Spain and Italy, including Naples and Sicily, in addition to Parma. The house still holds the Spanish throne. The museum has been recently renovated and offers everything from art to art objects.

Parco Ducale

West of the river and not far from the Palazzo della Pilotta you reach Parco Ducale. Take the bridge ponte Guiseppe Verdi. Parco Ducale covers an area of ​​more than 200,000 square meters and is popularly called simply the “park” or parco if you like.

The park originated in 1561. In the 18th century, the park was renovated to order from Filippo di Borbone (House Bourbon, see Museo Glauco Lombardi) and became a truly magnificent attraction. Later, the park has been renamed and expanded. Most importantly, Parco Ducale was refurbished in the year 2000 and this time back to its original neoclassical style.

You’ll find great ways to jog on here. You have countless beautiful monuments and you have lakes and the magnificent Palazzo del Giardino. It is no use spending almost all day here.