Parma, unveiled

Parma lives blissfully beyond the chaos of overtourism. Though it’s known globally as the gastronomic capital – the birthplace of Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, food is just the beginning. This is a city of Renaissance treasures and architectural marvels, of cultural secrets that rival any in Italy. It’s slow living at its most refined, where bold flavours meet quiet masterpieces around every cobbled corner.

Parma lives for flavour, and it shows. At Pepèn, we were welcomed like locals. Their Carciofa – a savoury pie filled with artichokes and prosciutto – is reason enough to understand why Italians take food so seriously. Then there’s Ai Due Platani, where pasta is rolled by hand, the gelato is churned on-site, and every bite feels like a celebration of local craft. For something more elevated, Limonaia Roncolo delivers contemporary Emilian cuisine with sweeping views over the plains. We almost forgot we weren't in Tuscany.

At nearby Fidenza Village, the flavours continue. Parma Menù offers a love letter to Emilia on a plate: culatello, tortafritta and a carbonara topped with culatello crumble. It sounds outrageous but tastes like pure genius. Signorvino is made for golden hour aperitivos, with focaccia, cured meats and the slow melt of the day around us. And for something sweet, Vero Latte proves why it’s considered one of Europe’s best – no shortcuts, just honest ingredients and pure flavour. This is what crema is meant to taste like.

While it’s easy to lose an afternoon in Parma’s Old Town – pottering between vintage boutiques, antique shops and bookshops along its cobbled lanes – the city is full of cultural gems.

In the heart of Parma, Teatro Farnese – a breathtaking, all-wooden theatre – feels suspended in time, perfect for architecture lovers and culture seekers alike. For something with a live setting, Teatro Regio, all red velvet and gold stucco, sets the stage for Festival Verdi each autumn (this year’s Shakespeare-inspired line-up is worth bookmarking).

Art lovers should head to the Galleria Nazionale, Parma’s answer to the Uffizi – without the crowds – where works by Correggio and Leonardo quietly shine. His La Scapigliata is a standout, displayed with rare intimacy. Just a short walk away, the Cathedral and Baptistery, both UNESCO-listed, offer a moment of spiritual stillness, while the Biblioteca Palatina invites literati to linger among centuries-old manuscripts and hushed reading rooms.

A small journey outside of Parma’s heart with lead you to, Torrechiara Castle rises above the vineyards, its frescoed Camera d’Oro pure Renaissance romance. The Reggia di Colorno, dubbed “Little Versailles,” pairs Baroque drama with sweeping gardens. And for something more unexpected, The Masone Labyrinth – the world’s largest bamboo maze – hides an eccentric private art collection at its heart.

You know those movie scenes with a long, cypress-lined driveway leading to a dream estate? Venturini Baldini is exactly that: boutique luxury nestled in the serene Emilian countryside. Though a short drive from Parma, it feels a world away, where silence turns to gold and time slows to a graceful pause. The rooms are elegantly appointed, blending rustic charm with modern comforts for a truly restful stay. Don’t miss their balsamic vinegar tasting, held within its centuries-old acetaia – more than a tasting, it's a sensory journey through time.

Francesca & Tommaso are travel creators, slow explorers and the couple behind Take My Heart Everywhere. Curious to see more? See their full Parma journey here.

As a valued client, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip to Parma. Contact us below and let us show you the best of this beautiful, culture-filled city.

Simply email PrivateServices@FidenzaVillage.com or WhatsApp +39 342 112 8882.