Parma, the charming city in Emilia-Romagna, is a paradise for gourmets and culture lovers. Famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, the city also boasts impressive architecture like the Romanesque cathedral and the magnificent Palazzo della Pilotta. Discover the rich history and enjoy the great culinary delicacies that make Parma such a great day trip destination in Italy.
Top Highlights of Parma
Travel Information
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Parma is actually from March to May and again in September. Weather is great for city trips and most importantly you can avoid the summer crowds. If you have the choice, we recommend May. The weather is already quite warm and stable and you can enjoy the bloom of flowers.
If you visit during the first half of September, you can experience the Festival of Prosciutto. On weekends, for three weeks, Prosciutto factories open their doors and you can visit - and sample (!) the world-famous Prosciutto di Parma - free of charge. See more at their official website.
The summer months July and August are humid and the hottest months, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). It's also peak season and especially August is best avoided.
From mid-October Parma gets a lot of rain and fog and the tourist season is over.
How to get to Parma?
By Plane
Parma's Giuseppe Verdi Airport is only 3km away, but serves limited flights. Major nearby airports include Bologna, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio, all of which offer train and car connections to Parma. Travel time by train ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the airport.
By Train
Since there are frequent trains from cities like Milan, Bologna, and Florence, you can easily reach Parma by train. Parma's train station is also conveniently located, only a 10-minute walk from the historical center. You can find the timetables and categories of trains on the Trenitalia website. If you travel long-distance (Intercity or Freccia), it's cheaper to buy your tickets in advance. For regional travel you can buy your ticket at any time at the ticket office or automatic ticket machines.
By Car
Parma is accessible via the A1 and A15 motorways. Free parking with shuttle buses is available on the city's outskirts, while paid underground parking is available in the city center. The ticket for the shuttle bus is valid for the entire day, perfect for tourists making a one-day visit to Parma.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
History
Founded by the Etruscans and later developed by the Romans in 183 BC, Parma quickly became an important urban center thanks to its strategic location along the Via Aemilia. This ancient road connected the city to major trade routes, facilitating its growth and prosperity.
During the Middle Ages, Parma experienced significant cultural and political changes. It became a bishopric in the 4th century, and the influence of the Church was profound in shaping the city's development. The construction of the Parma Cathedral and the Baptistery in the 12th century are testaments to the city's medieval architectural splendor.
The Renaissance period was marked by the city's inclusion into the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1545 under Pope Paul III, establishing it as a duchy under the rule of the Farnese family. This era saw Parma flourish artistically and culturally, attracting renowned artists like Correggio and Parmigianino, whose works you can still admire in the city.
The 18th century brought further transformation when the Duchy passed to the House of Bourbon. The French influence during this time left a lasting imprint on Parma’s administrative and cultural landscape. In 1860, Parma became part of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.
Today, Parma is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its contributions to art, music, and gastronomy.