Photo: FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Parma
Ham, Parmigiano and Correggio's dome.
A prosperous, bike-filled city famous for its ham and cheese, with a pink-marble baptistery, Correggio's swirling dome and a wooden Renaissance theatre. Feels relaxed and well-fed, between Milan and Bologna.
Places to see
Parma CathedralChurch · A Romanesque cathedral whose dome is painted with Correggio's Assumption: a whirl of…Free- Baptistery of ParmaChurch · A tall octagon of pink Verona marble; inside, the walls and dome are covered in medieval…≈ A$21
Pilotta and Teatro FarneseMuseum · A huge brick palace holding a vast wooden theatre with tiered seats, then a gallery with…≈ A$32
When to go
- Jan5° / -2°Some rainQuiet
- Feb8° / -1°Some rainQuiet
- Mar14° / 3°Some rainBusy
- Apr18° / 7°Some rainBusy
- May23° / 12°Some rainBusy
- Jun28° / 16°Some rainBusy
- Jul31° / 18°Mostly dryBusy
- Aug30° / 18°Some rainQuiet
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The centre. Piazza Garibaldi, Strada della Repubblica and the churches: the easy base.
Oltretorrente. Across the river: the Ducal Park and a local, student neighbourhood.
Flying in
Bologna Marconi (BLQ): Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale, then a train to Parma, about 1 h 15 min, ≈ A$35.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Parma; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You can walk everywhere. A single ticket is ≈ A$3. Flat, compact and full of bikes: walk or cycle. Buses cost about €1.70 (check).
Tourist tax
Parma's city tax: usually about €1.50–2 a person a night in hostels and B&Bs, more in hotels, for the first nights; under-14s don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
Day trips
Modena, about 30 min by regional train. Balsamic vinegar, a Romanesque cathedral and Ferrari.
