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FOOD & HISTORY ROUTES

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THE CASTLES
 
The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza went through 300 years of history, but its fortresses and its castles keep much more ancient memories. Noble families, feudatories, condottieri lived, amid those walls, several events that tell about having the nerve to oppose the enemies in this borderland which is in the middle of the major communication routes. They tell about benefactors that called many artists to give the splendour of the art to their residences. They testify also familiar and personal epic deeds together with betrayals and fights.
The most famous:

• Fontanellato Fortress (with Parmigianino frescos) only 4 km away;
• Torrechiara Castle and Soragna Fortress only 20 km away;
• Castell'arquato (Visconti's residence) 30 km away;
• Colorno Palace: Borbone/Farnese's residence, and Maria Luigia's Villa.

and much more.
 
ART AND CULTURE
 
A vital town rich in history, art and culture, Parma has been shaped along the centuries by great painters and architects the likes of Antelami and Correggio. Antelami's pink marble Baptistery and Correggio's illusionistic frescoes, decorating the Cathedral, the Chamber of St Paul and St John the Evangelist, are actually the trademarks of the town together with Parmigianino's masterpieces in the Church of St Mary of Steccata.
 
Works by Parmigianino are also hosted in the National Gallery, located in the Pilotta palace and displaying paintings by Canova, Tiepolo and Leonardo da Vinci.
 
Besides its delightful streetscape and historical centre, Parma can also boast outstanding modern architecture designed by worldwide famous Renzo Piano: the Barilla Center and the Auditorium Paganini, a former sugar factory converted into a concert hall.
 
Quite appropriate for a town whose heart beats for opera and drama, offering all year long a rich calendar of events and entertainments in venues such as the brand new House of Music or the Regio Theatre, opened in 1829 by Marie Louise of Austria.
 
THE FOOD VALLEY
 
Winding around the province, three different Roads of wines and tastes invite visitors to experience real local food. Highlighting gastronomic delicacies, the itineraries reflect the influence of history and culture and the craft of man. The Road of Culatello crosses the vast plain along the river Po, area of production of the sweet and sparkling Fortana wine and Spalla Cotta ham of San Secondo.
 
Worldwide famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and mouthwatering slices of Prosciutto di Parma and Salame of Felino can be tasted along the Road of Ham and wines running south, while sipping the Wines of the hills. Last but not least, the Road of Porcino mushrooms will bring visitors to discover the mountains of Taro, Ceno and Baganza valleys, their traditions and stunning views.
 

 
SHOPPING

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FIDENZA OUTLET VILLAGE - 10 km
 
Shops: Bassetti, Blunauta, Bodum, Bose, Café Coton, Calvin Klein underwear, Diverscuba, Elena Mirò, Ethic, Fornarina, Frette, Furla, Gerry, Goldenpoint, Indian Rose - Indian Rags, Inghirami, Ixos, Lagostina, Lanificio Colombo, Levi's - Dockers, Madina, Magie dal mondo, Nannini, Nike, O'Neill - Simmer, Ottica Avanzi, Pancaldi, Phard, Pinko, Quiksilver, Quore by Mafrat, Rebecca Sanver, Reebock, Saldarini, Sapò, Samsonite, Simonetta, Stefanel, Store House, Store House ragazzi 414, Sutor Mantellassi, Triumph, Trussardi Jeans, Versace, Vintage Delirium, Willy Miani.