An excellent starting point for exploring the city is Piazza Garibaldi, the city centre, dominated by the 13th century Governor’s Palace, an imposing building that houses Parma’s Museum of Modern Art, where the contemporary exhibits are in stark contrast with the historic surroundings.
On the streets leading off the Piazza (Via della Repubblica, Via Mazzini, Via Cavour, Strada Farini) you can find shops, boutiques, outdoor cafés, bars, and restaurants.
If you walk down via Cavour on the right hand side you will find Via al Duomo that leads to the cobbled Piazza Del Duomo, where you can admire the Cathedral (Duomo) and the Baptistery (Battistero) that date back to the 12th century.
The Pilotta Palace is one of the largest buildings in Parma and it is located near the river. It was built in the 16th century and had various functions including a royal palace and a court. The building houses the National Gallery, the Biblioteca Palatina (Palatina Library) and the magnificent Teatro Farnese, one of the most renowned examples of a wooden theatre. Built in the 17th century, it was seriously damaged during the Second World War and was restored thereafter.
A few minutes from the city centre you can admire the worldwide famous opera house, the Teatro Regio. Music has a leading role in the city with the Verdi Opera Festival, the international jazz music festival, and performances in the modern Paganini Auditorium designed by Renzo Piano. In the museums and art galleries you can admire the masterpieces of local painters such as Correggio and Parmigianino.
The main building of the University of Parma, one of Italy’s most ancient universities, founded in the 13th century, is also located near the city centre.
Parma is famous for its high quality of life, for its food and rich gastronomical tradition: two of its specialties are Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham.
