Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni

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.

• E-mail:

  drm-ero.spezieria@beniculturali.it

• Address:

  Borgo Pipa 1/A, Parma

• Phone:

  +39 0521 287195

• Opening hours:

  Since the pandemic, the museum's opening hours remain mysterious. We suggest calling ahead to make sure it's open

Baptistery of Parma

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.

• Web:

  www.piazzaduomoparma.com/en

• E-mail:

  info@piazzaduomoparma.com

• Address:

  Piazza Duomo, Parma

• Phone:

  +39 521 235886

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–6pm

Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

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.

• Address:

  Piazza della Steccata 9, Parma

• Phone:

  +39 521 234937

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7:30am–noon / 3pm–6:30pm

Botanical Garden

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.

• Web:

  www.ortobotanico.unipr.it

• E-mail:

  ortobotanico@unipr.it

• Address:

  Orto Botanico di Parma, Strada Farini 90, Parma

• Phone:

  +39 0521 903679

• Tickets:

  Free admission

Castle of Roccabianca

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.

• Web:

  www.castellidelducato.it/castellidelducato/castello.asp?el=castello-di-roccabianca

• Address:

  Castello di Roccabianca, Roccabianca

• Phone:

  +39 0521 374065

• Opening hours:

  See official website for the schedule of guided tours

• More info:

  The castle is located 20 min from Parma

City of Perfume

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.