Parma Travel & Vacation Guide

The very first evidences of the existence of this ancient pharmacy date back to 1201, but it could be even older — Monastery of San Giovanni where the pharmacy is located was founded in 980 AD. This laboratory was operated by Benedictine monks and remained in use until 1766. It was then restored so to be opened again to the public. Here, thanks to the guided tours you will discover the ancient arts of distillery and medical herbs processing.

The Baptistery of Parma is a stunning octagonal building in pink marble built between 1196 and 1216. It is one of the symbol of the city, also for its central location right near to the Cathedral of Parma. The Parmesan Baptistery is considered the junction point between Romantic and Gotic periods, and one of the most important bequest from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can admire plenty of Medieval works of art, magnificently explained by the museum headsets available on the spot.

This ancient cathedral is the epitome of Renaissance architecture. Indeed it is considered the most beautiful church in the entire Parma region. Built between the 1521 and the 1539, it is the result of work of many important local artists of the period. Among others, you will find the painter Parmigianino's stunning fresco called "Le vergini sagge e le vergini stolte" (Wise and foolish virgins), the most elaborated work in the entire church.

Parma's Arboretum was originally founded in 1600. First, it belonged to the medical university where they grew medical herbs and natural remedies. The contemporary botanical garden was designed under the Borboun domain around 1770. Take a stroll and appreciate the exotic plants species, including the beautiful local flora and when here look out for the distinctive tree with heart-shaped leaves called 'Ginkgo biloba'. The garden contains aquatic plants and mature trees, while the glass houses contain a tropical section with gorgeous Monstera Deliciosa and Theobroma cacao plants, as well as epiphytes, orchids, and tropical fruits. The desert house keeps a variety of cacti and succulents.

The Castle of Roccabianca dates back to 1400. It was built by request of Pier Maria Rossi as a gift to his beloved Bianca Pellegrini. The castle has beautiful frescoes; literature buffs in particular will love Griselda's Room with its cycle of paintings inspired by the 100th story of the Decameron. In the castle you will also find the Museum of Distillery, where you can learn about local spirits, before tasting them.

Immerse yourself in the history of Parma and discover the tradition of perfume and the main characters of its supply chain in the region from 1816 till now. The greenhouses Ducal Park will introduce you to the famous Violetta di Parma. The love of Maria Luigia of Austria for this gorgeous flower are on display at the Glauco Lombardi Museum. Stop by the Acqua di Parma flagship store — one of the historic perfumeries in the city centre that had an enormous influence on the perfume industry worldwide, especially when it comes to packaging. Violetta di Parma 1930 shop will give you a glimpse into the life of Ludovico Borsari and his company, as well as contemporary local glass industry represented by the Bormioli Company.

This large park is the little green lung of Parma. Walking in this peaceful garden you will notice the spectacular design created by the careful arrangement of trees and plants. Inside the Ducale park there are plenty of sculpture groups and two palaces that belonged to the ducal family: Palazzo Ducale and Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale. Take a relaxing break, right in the heart of the city!

Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest masters of opera, is celebrated by his hometown every year during the Verdi Festival. A series of concerts and performances dedicated to the brilliant creator of Nabucco and La Traviata are organised both in Parma and Busseto, during October. In this period, Parma is filled with music more than ever. Let yourself be captivated by this marvellous atmosphere and experience opera in its homeland.

This rustic cantina boasts a varied range of Italian wines, which it serves with typical Parmesan food. The place has two big rooms inside its tavern, and a seating area outdoor where you can relax and have a glass of wine enjoying a breath of fresh air.

Bastian Contrario pub welcomes you in a lively and rustic atmosphere. Try delicious home brew and much more. Beyond the wide range of artisanal beers, you can also enjoy the most important sport events while eating the specialties of the house. Check the schedule of live music events and theme party nights.

Vecchie Maniere beer pub is the ideal meeting point for enthusiasts of good home brew. It was also the first Indi-Bar in Parma. There is no age limit at the Vecchie Maniere, since every night something different happens, from tasting nights to live concerts and DJ sets.

Dal Lino wine bar proposes typical specialties to accompany a good selection of national and foreign wines. Pick from a wide choice of spirits and local liquors such as nocino and bargnolino. The friendly atmosphere created by the owners and the staff will make you feel like you are among friends.

Enoteca Fontana is located under the porticoes on Via Farini in the centre if Parma. Locals head to this osteria to have a drink and break bread with strangers at large communal wooden tables — just like in the olden days. Stop by for lunch or for an aperitivo in the evening. Fontana's specialty is the Principe al culatello bread topped with culatello (a type of Prosciutto made with white wine) and Parmigiano. Wine pairings are immaculate, of course.

Gavanasa Club is a must-go party spot for people of all ages: happy hour bar, a restaurant and a lounge bar. You can enjoy non-stop music from 7pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, accompanied by delicious cocktails made by the expert bartenders.

Every night is different at this disco pub: reggae on Tuesday, Latin dance on Wednesday, quiz game on Thursday, Caribbean music on Friday and commercial dancehall on Saturday. At Jamaica, you can also enjoy pizza every night and move to the beat on the outdoor dance floor in the summer.

Le Malve, located in the city centre on a pedestrian street is not only a patisserie, restaurant and pizzeria. By night you can also enjoy delicious cocktails and wine labels. Pick some appetisers to accompany your beverage, there are always abundant and various snacks to choose from.

In the heart of Parma, this curious district is the right place where to look for particular objects and ancient treasures. In between of Strada Farini, Borgo al Collegio Maria Luigia and Strada Repubblica, you will find workshops, art studios and antique dealers of all kind.

If you are on the lookout for unique objects, reminders of the old good days, Parma gives you the chance to satisfy your yearning. Every Thursday, a vintage market is organised in Galleria Bassa dei Magnani under the arcades of the Old hospital — right in the city centre. You have the best selection available from 8am to 5pm.

In this creative laboratory, you will find unique pieces of costume jewellery. Starting from precious materials, the artisans create amazing works of wearable art. Here, glass, natural stone, resin and silver become beautiful jewels — perfect as presents as well as souvenirs.

Another high point of the “Made in Italy” production is certainly tailored suits. If you want to take home a custom shirt from your travel in Parma, Camiceria Zanini is the right place for you. This tailor's shop has been open since 1939. Its long history speaks for itself.

This is a one in a million shop. At Cartasogno you will find hundreds of creations and objects of every kind, so well-done that you won't believe that they are all made with paper! That's right, paper! Here, you will find not only unique souvenirs, but also amazing furniture pieces and elegant presents for your friends.

Another tasty souvenir that you cannot miss to buy in Parma is the famous parmesan cheese. To find the most authentic one you may need to go a bit out of the city centre, but it can be also a good excuse to have a look at the stunning Parmesan countryside. At Caseificio Ugolotti, you will also find many other artisanal food products. If you book a couple of days in advance, you can count on a guided tour that gives you a fascinating insight into the world of Italian cheese making. Caseificio Ugolotti is an important part of many culinary tours of the Parma region.

Located at only 30 minutes’ drive away from the centre of Parma, Fidenza Village is a shopping complex where savvy shoppers can delight in discounted clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from the most famous designers past collections. Take a break in-between your hectic shopping in one of the several restaurants and cafes located here while glancing through your shopping bags.

Occupying a former industrial area where Barilla products used to be made, this shopping centre has little left of its original designation. While Accademia Barilla cooking school is still up and running, most of the space is occupied now by a variety of stores and boutiques, selling everything from clothes to accessories, beauty products and home decor.

Parma International Airport is located around 6 kilometres from the city centre. Busses and taxis cruise between the airport, the city centre and the train station. Bus line number 6 leaves every hour from 6:30am to 8pm. Taxis wait for you just outside of the arrivals zone. If there is no taxi available you can ask the information desk to call a one for you.

The best way to get around the city is on foot or by bike, which is actually the favourite transportation of all Parmesans. The city centre is compact and full of monuments and other sights to visit and admire. The local bus transport company is called TEP. You can buy tickets or passes in all ticket offices, tobacconists and newsstands. There are different tickets to choose from: single ticket (valid 60 minutes), day ticket, ticket for 8 single rides and different period passes. You can also buy ticket on the bus but for an extra charge and with exact change. Make sure to validate your ticket as soon as you board the bus.

The main taxi company of Parma is Radiotaxi. You can call its call centre or book a ride on the webpage. Normally in Italy you will find taxi stands where taxis are waiting in a cue for customers. In Parma you can find them in the following places: Piazza Garibaldi, Train Station, Ospedale Maggiore (main hospital), Piazzale Volta, Piazzale Rolla, Barilla Centre, Mall Torri, and Fairs Centre.

In Italy the power plugs and sockets are of type F (common in Europe, two prongs) and L (three prongs in one line). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Pharmacies in Italy generally do not stay open during lunch time, and they are closed on Sundays. Pharmacies of each town/city/area open on Sundays and at night on a rotating basis. Details are displayed at the pharmacies or on the websites of the town.

There are numerous post offices around the city. You can easily recognise them thanks to the yellow and blue sign. Stamps are available in every tobacconist and newsagent shop.

Country code: +39 There is no area code. In Parma, all phone numbers start with 0521, do not omit the zero. The Council of Parma offers a service of free wifi, but to use it you need to create an account on the wifi net "Guglielmo".