Parma: Opera, Sound and Culinary Delights

Parma brings together neoclassical opera history, a sound collection housed in a former church, and a food culture that makes the city a gastronomic centre of the “Italian Food Valley.” The city is also home to the garden heritage of Parco Ducale and museums with a range of different focuses. Visitors planning a stay can discover Parma’s many sides through its culture, regional produce and park.

Opera and the history of sound

The Teatro Regio di Parma was built from 1821 onwards and opened in 1829 in the neoclassical style. The venue thus combines its architectural history with a place for music and the performing arts. On a guided tour of about 30 minutes, available in Italian or English, you can visit the foyer, auditorium and Ridotto. Check the tour schedule before your trip.

The Casa del Suono offers a very different way to explore the history of sound. It is housed in the former Church of Santa Elisabetta, dating from the mid-17th century, and traces the history and development of sound-reproduction devices. The collection ranges from the phonograph to the gramophone, radio, tape recorder, Compact Disc and iPod. Here, you can encounter the different stages of sound reproduction through the devices themselves. The Casa also includes a collection of sound-producing instruments and facilities with innovative sound-reproduction systems. Its work in scientific and artistic research, education and outreach extends beyond the history of the devices.

Birthplace and historical collections

The Museo Casa Natale Arturo Toscanini is located in the musician’s birthplace in the Oltretorrente district. Arturo Toscanini was born there on 25 March 1867. The museum thus links a specific place in the district to a precisely dated biographical event.

The Museo Glauco Lombardi focuses on the artistic and documentary heritage of different periods in Parma’s history: the Bourbon period from 1748 to 1802 and from 1847 to 1859, and the Ludovician period from 1816 to 1847. The museum offers guided tours, meetings and conferences. Another musical dimension is “Musica al Museo,” a series featuring the ducal fortepiano. If you are planning a visit around the series, check the current dates in advance.

Parma and its food culture

Parma’s gastronomic identity is reflected in its diverse regional food traditions. They include Prosciutto di Parma (PDO), Parmigiano Reggiano (PDO), Culatello di Zibello (PDO), Salame Felino (PGI), Spalla Cotta di San Secondo and Fungo Porcino (PGI). The protected PDO and PGI designations identify some of these products; others are also closely associated with Parma. Major food-related events also help shape the city. One example is the international food fair Cibus. Its dates vary, so it is worth checking the events calendar if you would like to plan your trip around it.

Garden history at Parco Ducale

Parco Ducale is a historic garden landscape with centuries-old trees. From 1560 onwards, it was landscaped in an elaborate Italian style and later altered in the French style. An island lies in the historic fishpond, where the 18th-century Fontana del Trianon fountain stands. The garden, pond and fountain bring together several periods in the park’s history in one place.

The park features a children’s play area, sports paths, a dog area, a kiosk and benches. As park facilities may change, check for current information before your visit if needed.

Getting to Parma and finding your way around

Parma is accessible by train, via an airport and by motorway. The railway station is about a ten-minute walk from the historic centre; trains connect Parma with northern and central Italy, as well as some European cities. Current timetables are useful for planning your specific journey. If travelling by car, note that cars are prohibited from entering the city centre.

For further help getting around, the city’s Parma Welcome app brings together information on attractions, churches, museums, castles, works of art, cultural events, exhibitions, installations, routes and food. This can help you take different interests into account when planning. Digital content may be updated, so check the latest information for details about specific visits.

Discover more destinations: San Prospero, Varsi, Varano Marchesi, Pagazzano, Roncopascolo, San Secondo Parmense, Pannocchia, Neviano Degli Arduini, Polesine Parmense, Compiano, Formiano, Calestano, Borghetto, Borgo Val Di Taro, Corniglio, Tizzano Val Parma, Salsomaggiore Terme, Zibello, Montechiarugolo, Orzale, Diolo, Pianelletto, Bore, Felino, Sanguigna, Bagni di Tabiano, Tabiano Castello, San Polo, Ostia Parmense, Valditacca, Vignale, Lesignano de' Bagni, Lemignano, Marore, Botteghino, Vicomero, Case Vecchie, Felegara, Fontanelle, Porcigatone, Cedogno, Solignano, Monticelli Terme, Soragna, Sala Baganza, Parma, Noceto, Medesano, Fontevivo, Fontanellato, Collecchio, Sant Andrea Bagni, Valmozzola, Signatico, Varano De' Melegari, Sissa, Torrile, Pellegrino Parmense, Bedonia, Arola, Busseto, Vigatto, Lagrimone, Albareto, Monchio Delle Corti, Ponte Taro, Berceto, Terenzo, Roccabianca, Sasso, Santa Maria Del Piano, Langhirano, Roccaprebalza, Torrechiara, Ozzano Taro, Bardi, Sorbolo, Pieveottoville, Banca, Traversetolo, Fidenza, Ravarano, Fornovo Di Taro, Colorno

For the regional travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.