Parma

The quiet city that perfected ham, cheese, and good eating

Parma feeds you. Culture, history, and the best food in Italy. This Emilian city sits between Milan and Bologna, smaller than both, yet overflowing with appeal.

Cuisine defines Parma. Parmigiano Reggiano ages in cellars across the province. Prosciutto di Parma hangs in hillside curing houses. Culatello ferments in riverside chambers. You’ll experience generations of history with each mouthwatering bite.

But (as with every Italian city) there’s more to the place than cheese and cured meat. Verdi was born nearby – the Teatro Regio sings centuries of opera history. Correggio adorned the cathedral dome with a fresco that inspired countless baroque artists to come. The Palazzo della Pilotta houses galleries rivalling Florence, minus the crowds.

The city’s compact. Piazzas open unexpectedly. Porticoed streets offer welcome shade in summer. Medieval towers punctuate the skyline.

Students from the ancient university fill cafés at aperitivo hour, keeping the old streets feeling young and alive. Take a seat, order a drink and soak it all in. The buzz is electric. Come hungry. Come curious. Parma will satisfy both.