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Europe Italy Parma Do & See City of Perfume

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City of Perfume

The guide was updated: 2024-04-07

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Private Half Day Tour to Parma the 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.

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

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Baptistery of Parma

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.

Parma Cathedral

Parma Cathedral

The monumental symbol of Parma is located right in the heart of the city, next to the marble Baptistery. The Parma Cathedral was built in 1074, and it is one of the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. Its magnificent cupola is covered in frescoes by Correggio, a masterpiece that worth a visit on its own. In addition, inside the cathedral you can also admire works of art, frescoes and sculptures made by the most representative artists of the Italian Middle Ages.

San Giovanni Evangelista

San Giovanni Evangelista

Monastero San Giovanni Evangelista is actually a monastery complex that includes a church, a convent and the Historical Pharmacy San Giovanni. It was built during the 10th century for the Benedectine Order, and it fully represents the principles of Romanesque architecture. Inside you can admire frescoes, sculptures and the ancient books housed in the monastic library. Normally, it is freely open to the public, and it is easily reached on foot — only few metres from the Cathedral of Parma.

Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

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.

Palazzo della Pilotta

Palazzo della Pilotta

Palazzo della Pilotta dates back to the 16th century. The name of the building comes from the ancient game "pelota" often played in the courtyards of the estate. The particular disposition of its corridors forms a sort of fortress with several courtyards and extensions. Today, the palace hosts several museums, among them are National Gallery, the Palatine Library and the Archeological Museum. Inside the building there is also a theatre, and during summer outdoor events are organised in its gardens.

Ducal Park

Ducal Park

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!

Teatro Regio

Teatro Regio

Teatro Regio is a Neo-Classical theatre, commissioned by the Dutchess Maria Luigia. Today it is regarded one of the most important opera houses in Italy: not only for its history, but also for its fervent contemporary activity, which includes operas, ballet, concerts and exhibitions of various kind. Italian opera is an enchanting form of art and for the ultimate opera experience with its old world charm and glory, there is no better place in Italy.

Salsomaggiore Terme

Salsomaggiore Terme

Enclosed by rolling green hills, this small location near Parma is a well-known destination for thermal spa tourism. The ideal place when seeking for the ultimate relaxation and getaway from the city stress. Numerous spas are scattered all around the Parmesan countryside where you can pamper yourself with health and beauty treatments.

Museo Glauco Lombardi

Museo Glauco Lombardi

This museum exhibits a prestigious collection of art and historical items regarding Maria Luigia of Habsburg Duchess of Parma and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Among its collections, the museum displays her wedding dress, make-up and perfume kit and lots of paintings and jewelleries belonged to the duchess and her husband.

Castle of Roccabianca

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.

Festival Verdi

Festival Verdi

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.

The Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace, also known as Reggia di Colorno, is 30 minutes by bus from Parma. Inspired by the Versailles Palace in France, Ducal Palace was built in the early 18th century by Francesco Farnese, Duke of Parma, to cover the remains of a former ruins of the Fortress of Colorno. Inside, you can admire collections and exhibitions. If you are lucky enough to visit during the warm season, you will be enchanted by the magnificent Italian gardens surrounding the estate, where many events are organised by night during summer.

Pinacoteca Stuard

Pinacoteca Stuard

If you are interested in painting, you cannot miss the gallery Pinacoteca Stuard. In this museum, located in a beautiful ancient cloister, you can marvel at a collection of portraits, antiques and tapestry masterpieces that belonged to the Stuard family from the 14th to the 20th century.

Botanical Garden

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.

Taro River Regional Park

Taro River Regional Park

If you are visiting Parma during the warm season, it is worth going for some outdoor activities. Only a few kilometres from the city centre you will find the ideal place to spend time in the nature — the Taro River Regional Park Almost 3000 hectares of greenery around the River Taro, in the middle of the migration routes of several bird species. So, pick the most suitable path, wear your most comfortable shoes and enjoy Parmesan wilderness!

Rocca Sanvitale with Disney Princesses

Rocca Sanvitale with Disney Princesses

Rocca Sanvitale is an ancient fortress located in Fontanello (30 minutes from Parma). Inside you can admire several works of art by Parmigianino, or you can choose to take a break in the nearby countryside. But the best part comes if you are travelling with kids — do not miss the magic castle visit guided by Disney Princesses. Rapunzel, Merida and their friends will accompany you through this stunning location, sharing with you all their adventures.

National Archaeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum

This museum, housed in Palazzo della Pilotta, was founded in 1760 by Philip Duke of Parma. It was the first and — for a long time the only — institution in northern Italy concerning the archaeological work. The two floors of the museum offer a vast overview of the Italian prehistoric, pre-Roman and Roman times, as well as of ancient Egypt. The upper floor houses the collections not linked to the Parma area: the Egyptian section, the Greek and Etruscan sections, and findings from the well-known excavations at Velleia, the so-called "Pompei of Northern Italy".

National Gallery

National Gallery

The National Gallery is the main museum within Palazzo della Pilotta. It is all about painting! The collection hosted here was property of the Farnese family. The permanent exhibition features over 700 pieces: paintings, drawings, sculptures, architectural decorations and objects of applied arts dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the hundreds of paintings displayed here, you will find masterpieces by some of the greatest Italian artists: Leonardo, Correggio and Parmigianino.

Museo Diocesano

Museo Diocesano

The Diocesan Museum is housed in the Bishop's Palace of Piazza Duomo. It hosts numerous remnants of the ancient roman city, including some original parts of the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The collection may not be impressively large, but everything is well displayed and sculpture enthusiasts will not be disappointed.

City of Perfume

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.

Parma Ham Museum

Parma Ham Museum

Parma Ham Museum guides you through the history of prosciutto, which goes further back than you might imagine! The best part, however, is the attached restaurant with exceptional food quality and reasonable prices. This palace is a must for prosciutto fans. Make sure to order the local focaccia fritta with a selection of mature cheeses.

Parma Charterhouse

Parma Charterhouse

The Parma Charterhouse is a complex of buildings located in the countryside just outside the city. For almost 500 years, it was the abode of the Carthusian Order. Across history, several accidents destroyed great part of the original structures, but today it still houses the original ancient sacristy, some Renaissance furniture and numerous frescoes, altars and capitals. You are always welcome to visit the cloister, and occasionally you can go deeper into the inner parts of the complex.

Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni

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.

Torrechiara Castle

Torrechiara Castle

Only 20 km from the city of Parma lies Torrechiara village, with a grand medieval castle at its heart. Severe and austere on the outside, the castle is a riot of frescoes on the inside. Marvel at the grotesque mythological figures, angels, cartouches and whimsical architecture drawn by Cesare Baglioni, Giovanni Antonio Paganino and Innocenzo Martini. The Castle of Torrechiara has been declared a National Monument and has become part of the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli. You can visit Torrechiara by car, bus or even by bike. Tours will take you through Parma’s lovely countryside, usually stopping for a Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour and craft beer or wine tastings.

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