Parma Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

Considering that Parma is not a particularly large city, it certainly manages to fit an impressive number of tourist attractions into a relatively compact area. These include some real historical and architectural gems, such as the magnificent Parma Duomo (Cathedral) and the Battistero (Baptistry).

As well as grand churches, many of which feature the artistic work of Correggio, Parma's tourist attractions include several theatres, which regularly host plays and concerts. These pay homage to Italy's best operatic and theatrical traditions.

Battistero

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 235 886
Octagonal in shape, Parma's Baptistry is unmistakable with its pink Verona stonework, towering four stories above the pavement and featuring numerous turrets and sculptures. Known locally in Italian as the Battistero, attractions at the Baptistry include no less than 16 arches, each of which are painted with elaborate frescoes. Don't forget to look up at the glorious domed ceiling, which boasts an interesting umbrella structure. The Battistero of Parma was completed in 1270, after almost 80 years of construction work, delayed at times by a shorted of the precious Verona marble.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Spezieria Storica di San Giovanni Evangelista

Address: Borga Pipa 1, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 233 617
A visit to this historic chemist's shop makes a fascinating and popular diversion on any sightseeing itinerary. Located within the walls of the Monastery of San Giovanni, the Spezieria Storica di San Giovanni Evangelista is said to have been in existence since the start of the 13th century, if not earlier. The Benedictine monks dispensed medicines from here until 1766. Eventually bought by the Italian state, it was finally opened to the public in 1959. Today, visitors can enjoy browsing in rooms packed with a rich variety of apothecary jars and similar attractions, as well as pots and mortars used to prepare medicines.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 13:45
Admission: charge

Duomo

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 235 886
Parma's Duomo cathedral dates from the 11th century. Inside, it's well worth taking a glance upwards to admire the central cupola fresco. The painting of the Assumption was the work of one of Parma's most famous citizens, the artist Correggio. Indeed, it is reputed to be his greatest work.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Camera di San Paolo

Address: Via Melloni 3, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 533 221
The Camera gives art-lovers another opportunity to view the work of Parma's famous artist, Correggio. Situated within the Benedictine Convent of San Paolo, Correggio's extraordinary work was carried out in 1519. It is seen as one of the greatest masterpieces of the late Italian Renaissance
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:30 to 13:45
Admission: charge

Teatro Regio

Address: Via Garibaldi 16, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 039 393
Parma's 1,400-seat theatre is widely seen as one of the most important in Italy's long-standing operatic tradition. Built in the early 19th-century, the first ever theatrical performance staged at the Teatro Regio was Bellini's Zaira, composed especially for the grand opening.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Teatro Farnese

Address: Piazzale Pilotta 1, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 233 309
This theatre boasts some rather remarkable features and unusual attractions. Not only is it made entirely from wood, but is also includes a number of clever devices, including Italy's very first revolving stage and a waterproof cavity to allow the staging of battles at sea. The Teatro Farnese is still in operation today, having being renovated after the Second World War. Visitors to this attraction can also access the Galleria Nazionale via a small passageway.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 13:45
Admission: charge

Chiesa dell Madonna della Steccata

Address: Piazza Steccata 9, Parma, Italy, IT
This church is said to have been modelled on St Peter's and was offered in thanks to the Virgin for victory against the enemy in the Parma War of 1521. The interior of the Chiesa dell Madonna della Steccata boasts some fine 16th-century frescoes. Most notable of these artistic attractions are those painted by Parmigianino, the former pupil of the famous painter, Correggio. Look out on the high altar for Parmigianino's Wise Virgins and Foolish Virgins, as well as the Coronation of the Virgin Anselmi.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: free