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Province of Parma

Parma Province
Palazzo della Pilotta, Parma - Photo: Sailko

The Province of Parma covers an area of 3,449 sq.km. and borders the province of Reggio Emilia to the east, the province of Piacenza to the west, the region of Lombardy to the north and the region of Liguria to the south west.

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Parma Province
Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna

In the north it borders the Po river so is largely flat with expansive plains, the central part is hilly which in turn leads to the Apennine mountains in the south. The whole province is dotted with picturesque villages, castles, churches and ancient buildings.

This province is best known for its food, in particular Parma Ham and Parmesan Cheese. The two large Italian food companies Barilla and Parmalat are both based here.

Parma

Parma is the capital city of the province of Parma in the region of Emilia Romagna. The city is divided into two halves by a river, the Torrente Parma, and is most famous for its production of Prosciutto di Parma (known as Parma ham in the UK) and Parmesan cheese. It also has stunning architecture, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has a wonderful history of music.

It is home to the University of Parma which was founded in the year 1117 making it one of the oldest universities in the world.

Parma is full of beautiful buildings of all types and ages and more than one day would be needed to visit them all.

The construction of Parma Cathedral began in 1059, it was consecrated in 1106 and it is an important example of the Romanesque style. The main feature of the interior is the fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin which was painted by Antonio da Correggio on the ceiling of the dome between 1526 and 1530.

Adjacent to the cathedral stand the Baptistery of Parma which is considered to be one of the most important Medieval monuments in Europe.

San Giovanni Evangelista is a church and part of a complex which includes a Benedictine convent. It was originally constructed in the 10th century but was rebuilt in 1498 after the whole complex was damaged by fire. The bell tower is 75 meters high making it the tallest in Parma.

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccatais a Renaissance church built in the Greek-cross design. The building started in 1521 and the church was finally consecrated in 1539. In the crypt there are tombs containing 26 members of the Farnese family and a crystal urn in which there is the heart of Charles III, Duke of Parma.

The church of San Paolo was built in the 11th centur and was a former Benedictine Convent.

The church of San Francesco del Prato is a 13th century Gothic church which was used as a jail from the Napoleonic era until 1990s.

Other churches of interest are the Romanesque, 12th century Santa Croce. San Sepolcro (1275), Santa Maria del Quartiere built on a strange hexagonal plan and San Rocco.

The Palazzo della Pilotta was built in 1583 during the final years of the reign of Duke Ottavio Farnese. It is now home to the following facilities:

  • National Archaeological Museum
  • Scuola d'arte Toschi
  • Palatine Library
  • Museo Bodoniano
  • Teatro Farnese

The Ducal Palace was built in 1561 for Duke Ottavio Farnese on the area of the former Sforza castle. It was later enlarged in the 17th century and again in the 18th century. It is annexed to the Ducal Park which was turned into a French-style garden in 1749.

Other interesting palaces are the Palazzo del Comune (1627), the 13th century Palazzo del Governatore, the Bishop's Palace (1055) and Ospedale Vecchio which is now houses the State archives and is the Communal Library.

The Cittadella is a large fortress erected in the 16th century close to the old walls.

The Pons Lapidis is a Roman structure in stone dating back to the reign of Augustus.

The Orto Botanico di Parma is a botanical garden which is maintained by the University of Parma.

The Teatro Regio, built in the early 19th century has a Neo-Classical façade and is the city's opera house.

Fidenza

The most prominent and famous building in Fidenza is the 12th century Cathedral which is an excellent example of the Lombard-Romanesque churches of northern Italy. It has a simple, well proportioned interior which has not been altered or ruined by the many restorations. The statue of the apostle Simon Peter at the front of the cathedral is pointing in the direction of Rome with his right hand and holding an inscripition in his left hand saying 'I show you the way to Rome'. This statue is considered to be one of the first road signs.

The medieval Palazzo Comunale was first mentioned in 1191 but the current structure was is a 14th century restoration. A new façade was added in the 19th century after the building was being destroyed by Spanish and French troops.

The Porta San Donnino is the only surviving gate in the remains of the medieval town near the cathedral.

Bedonia

The town of Bedonia is only a few kilometres from the border of the region of Liguria and the influence of this can be seen by the typical coloured buildings of that area.

Inside the Basilica of San Marco which was built in 1846 is a Planetarium and a Museum of Natural History as well as a Art Gallery and a huge National Library.

The Baroque church of Sant'Antonino is an interesting piece of architecure.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di S. Marco built in 1939 contains a wooden statue of the Madonna with child which was created in 1531.

Bardi

This small town is completely dominated by the monumental Landi Castle which is built on a shaft of red jasper rock. The castle was built in the 9th century and in the 16th century it was turned into a luxurious mansion by Federico Landi. Today it houses the Museum of the Valley Civilization and the Museum of Wildlife and Poaching.

Other interesting buildings in the town are:
  • The church of San Giovanni Battista built in the 16th century and is now the parish church.
  • The Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie which was built in the 13th century and extensively restored in 1621.
  • The Country church of San Siro and the 20th century Memorial Chapel of the Arandora Star.

Busseto

Busseto is an ancient town dating back to the 10th century. This small town is famous as it became the home of the composer Giuseppe Verdi who was born in the nearby village of Le Roncole in 1813 but moved to the town in 1824. There are many sites associated with him which can be seen in Busseto and the village of Le Roncole which include:

  • A statue of Verdi in the town centre.
  • Teatro Verdi.
  • Verdi's house at Sant'Agata.
  • The house where Verdi was born in nearby Le Roncole.

Other interesting sights in the town are:

  • The 'Rocco' which is an 11th century fortress which still has the original keep and main tower.
  • Casa Barezzi which is located in the main square and is the house where a young Verdi gave his first performance in 1830. A portrait of him and several of his letters are on display.
  • Palazzo Orlandi is the house which Verdi bought in 1845.
  • The churches of Santa Maria degli Angeli and San Michele Arcangelo.

Colorno

The main point of interest in Colorno si the Ducal Palace which was built in the 18th century for the Farnese family.

The Aranciaia was erected in 1710 by duke Francesco Farnese as a place of shelter for the all the orange and lemon trees used to decorate the Ducal Palace. It was designed by Ferdinando Galli Bibiena.

Salsomaggiore Terme

Salsomaggiore Terme is a renowned spa town famous for its highly saline thermal waters, which have been celebrated for their healing properties since the 19th century. The town's luxurious spas and wellness centers, such as the grand Terme Berzieri, attract visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the spa buildings adds to the town’s appeal, making it a popular destination for both wellness tourism and cultural exploration.

Conclusion

The Province of Parma offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, natural beauty, and world-famous cuisine. From the culturally vibrant city of Parma, with its grand cathedrals and operatic heritage, to the tranquil spa towns like Salsomaggiore Terme, the region seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you are drawn by its medieval castles, renowned universities, or culinary delights like Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma is a province where every corner tells a story, offering something for every kind of traveler.

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Flag of Emilia-Romagna
Flag of Emilia-Romagna
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 22,124 km²
      Population: 4.2m
      Density: 189/km²
      Capital: Bologna

      National Parks:
      Appennino Tosco-Emiliano
      Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Location of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
Provinces of Emilia-Romagna
  • Comunes of Emilia-Romagna
    • Bologna

      • Anzola dell’Emilia
        Argelato
        Baricella
        Bazzano
        Bentivoglio
        Bologna
        Borgo Tossignano
        Budrio
        Calderara di Reno
        Camugnano
        Casalecchio di Reno
        Casalfiumanese
        Castel d’Aiano
        Castel del Rio
        Castel di Casio
        Castel Guelfo di Bologna
        Castel Maggiore
        Castel San Pietro Terme
        Castello d’Argile
        Castello di Serravalle
        Castenaso
        Castiglione dei Pepoli
        Crespellano
        Crevalcore
        Dozza
        Fontanelice
        Gaggio Montano
        Galliera
        Granaglione
        Granarolo dell’Emilia
        Grizzana Morandi
        Imola
        Lizzano in Belvedere
        Loiano
        Malalbergo
        Marzabotto
        Medicina
        Minerbio
        Molinella
        Monghidoro
        Monte San Pietro
        Monterenzio
        Monteveglio
        Monzuno
        Mordano
        Ozzano dell’Emilia
        Pianoro
        Pieve di Cento
        Porretta Terme
        Sala Bolognese
        San Benedetto Val di Sambro
        San Giorgio di Piano
        San Giovanni in Persiceto
        San Lazzaro di Savena
        San Pietro in Casale
        Sant’Agata Bolognese
        Sasso Marconi
        Savigno
        Vergato
        Zola Predosa

    • Ferrara
      • Argenta
        Berra
        Bondeno
        Cento
        Codigoro
        Comacchio
        Copparo
        Ferrara
        Formignana
        Goro
        Jolanda di Savoia
        Lagosanto
        Masi Torello
        Massa Fiscaglia
        Mesola
        Migliarino
        Migliaro
        Mirabello
        Ostellato
        Poggio Renatico
        Portomaggiore
        Ro
        Sant’Agostino
        Tresigallo
        Vigarano Mainarda
        Voghiera

    • Forlì-Cesena
      • Bagno di Romagna
        Bertinoro
        Borghi
        Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole
        Cesena
        Cesenatico
        Civitella di Romagna
        Dovadola
        Forlì
        Forlimpopoli
        Galeata
        Gambettola
        Gatteo
        Longiano
        Meldola
        Mercato Saraceno
        Modigliana
        Montiano
        Portico e San Benedetto
        Predappio
        Premilcuore
        Rocca San Casciano
        Roncofreddo
        San Mauro Pascoli
        Santa Sofia
        Sarsina
        Savignano sul Rubicone
        Sogliano al Rubicone
        Tredozio
        Verghereto

    • Modena
      • Bastiglia
        Bomporto
        Campogalliano
        Camposanto
        Carpi
        Castelfranco Emilia
        Castelnuovo Rangone
        Castelvetro di Modena
        Cavezzo
        Concordia sulla Secchia
        Fanano
        Finale Emilia
        Fiorano Modenese
        Fiumalbo
        Formigine
        Frassinoro
        Guiglia
        Lama Mocogno
        Maranello
        Marano sul Panaro
        Medolla
        Mirandola
        Modena
        Montecreto
        Montefiorino
        Montese
        Nonantola
        Novi di Modena
        Palagano
        Pavullo nel Frignano
        Pievepelago
        Polinago
        Prignano sulla Secchia
        Ravarino
        Riolunato
        San Cesario sul Panaro
        San Felice sul Panaro
        San Possidonio
        San Prospero
        Sassuolo
        Savignano sul Panaro
        Serramazzoni
        Sestola
        Soliera
        Spilamberto
        Vignola
        Zocca

    • Parma
      • Albareto
        Bardi
        Bedonia
        Berceto
        Bore
        Borgo Val di Taro
        Busseto
        Calestano
        Collecchio
        Colorno
        Compiano
        Corniglio
        Felino
        Fidenza
        Fontanellato
        Fontevivo
        Fornovo di Taro
        Langhirano
        Lesignano de’ Bagni
        Medesano
        Mezzani
        Monchio delle Corti
        Montechiarugolo
        Neviano degli Arduini
        Noceto
        Palanzano
        Parma
        Pellegrino Parmense
        Polesine Parmense
        Roccabianca
        Sala Baganza
        Salsomaggiore Terme
        San Secondo Parmense
        Sissa
        Solignano
        Soragna
        Sorbolo
        Terenzo
        Tizzano Val Parma
        Tornolo
        Torrile
        Traversetolo
        Trecasali
        Valmozzola
        Varano de’ Melegari
        Varsi
        Zibello

    • Piacenza
      • Agazzano
        Alseno
        Besenzone
        Bettola
        Bobbio
        Borgonovo Val Tidone
        Cadeo
        Calendasco
        Caminata
        Caorso
        Carpaneto Piacentino
        Castel San Giovanni
        Castell’Arquato
        Castelvetro Piacentino
        Cerignale
        Coli
        Corte Brugnatella
        Cortemaggiore
        Farini
        Ferriere
        Fiorenzuola d’Arda
        Gazzola
        Gossolengo
        Gragnano Trebbiense
        Gropparello
        Lugagnano Val D’Arda
        Monticelli d’Ongina
        Morfasso
        Nibbiano
        Ottone
        Pecorara
        Piacenza
        Pianello Val Tidone
        Piozzano
        Podenzano
        Ponte dell’Olio
        Pontenure
        Rivergaro
        Rottofreno
        San Giorgio Piacentino
        San Pietro in Cerro
        Sarmato
        Travo
        Vernasca
        Vigolzone
        Villanova sull’Arda
        Zerba
        Ziano Piacentino

    • Ravenna
      • Alfonsine
        Bagnacavallo
        Bagnara di Romagna
        Brisighella
        Casola Valsenio
        Castel Bolognese
        Cervia
        Conselice
        Cotignola
        Faenza
        Fusignano
        Lugo
        Massa Lombarda
        Ravenna
        Riolo Terme
        Russi
        Sant’Agata sul Santerno
        Solarolo

    • Reggio Emilia
      • Albinea
        Bagnolo in Piano
        Baiso
        Bibbiano
        Boretto
        Brescello
        Busana
        Cadelbosco di Sopra
        Campagnola Emilia
        Campegine
        Canossa
        Carpineti
        Casalgrande
        Casina
        Castellarano
        Castelnovo di Sotto
        Castelnovo ne’ Monti
        Cavriago
        Collagna
        Correggio
        Fabbrico
        Gattatico
        Gualtieri
        Guastalla
        Ligonchio
        Luzzara
        Montecchio Emilia
        Novellara
        Poviglio
        Quattro Castella
        Ramiseto
        Reggio Emilia
        Reggiolo
        Rio Saliceto
        Rolo
        Rubiera
        San Martino in Rio
        San Polo d’Enza
        Sant’Ilario d’Enza
        Scandiano
        Toano
        Vetto
        Vezzano sul Crostolo
        Viano
        Villa Minozzo

    • Rimini
      • Bellaria-Igea Marina
        Casteldelci
        Cattolica
        Coriano
        Gemmano
        Maiolo
        Misano Adriatico
        Mondaino
        Monte Colombo
        Montefiore Conca
        Montegridolfo
        Montescudo
        Morciano di Romagna
        Novafeltria
        Pennabilli
        Poggio Berni
        Riccione
        Rimini
        Saludecio
        San Clemente
        San Giovanni in Marignano
        San Leo
        Sant’Agata Feltria
        Santarcangelo di Romagna
        Talamello
        Torriana
        Verucchio
Hotels in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna Hotels
Emilia-RomagnaWEATHER
Emilia-Romagna Climate (Bologna)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 5 -2 3 43
Feb 8 1 3 45
Mar 13 4 5 60
Apr 18 8 6 67
May 23 12 7 65
Jun 27 16 9 53
Jul 30 18 9 43
Aug 29 18 8 58
Sep 25 15 7 61
Oct 19 10 5 72
Nov 11 4 3 81
Dec 6 0 2 61
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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