Parma Landmarks and Monuments

(Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

In many ways, Parma appears today much as it did a few centuries ago. A stroll through the city's streets will reveal some impressive city squares, distinguished-looking palaces, historical landmarks and an impressive collection of religious monuments.

The elegance of many of Parma's architectural landmarks originates from its former prestigious position as the capital of a duchy. Despite the passage of time, the cultural, musical and architectural heritage of Parma remain very well-preserved today.

Piazzale della Pilotta

Address: Piazzale Pilotta 1, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 233 309
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Parma, this vast square's 16th-century heritage was effectively destroyed during the Second World War. Today, the Piazzale della Pilotta contains some of Parma's main cultural buildings and notable landmarks, including the Palatina Library, Galleria Nazionale, the Teatro Farnese, the University's Institute of the History of Art, and the Museo Archaeologic Nazionale.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Piazza Garibaldi

For centuries, Piazza Garibaldi has lain at the very heart of the city of Parma. In fact, the square as we see it today is built on the site of a former Roman forum. Widely recognized as the city's most beautiful piazza, it is home to both the Palazzo del Comune and the Palazzo del Governatore.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Casa di Toscanini

Address: Via R. Tanzi, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 285 499
Italy's famous conductor, Arturo Toscanini, was born here in 1867. Bought from Toscanini's descendants 100 years later, the house was renovated and reopened to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the conductor in January 2007. The Casa di Toscanini also includes a small museum devoted to Toscanini's life and music.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Palazzo Ducale

Address: All'interno del Parco Ducale, Via Melloni, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 230 023
The Palazzo Ducale is an impressive monument, which is situated at the entrance to the Parc Ducale. Its distinctive yellow exterior, with a façade including various 18th-statues, was designed back in the 16th century. Today, the Ducal Palace is an important landmark in its own right and is used as Parma's police headquarters. Its most notable interior feature is a series of frescoes.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Palazzo del Vescovado

Address: Piazza del Duomo 1, Parma, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0521 380 535
This impressive building is built on a site that has been occupied since the 6th century. However, it's been frequently altered and restored since then. Most notable today are its series of arches, tower and stone entrance. Unfortunately, the interior of the Vescovado is not actually open to the public. Nevertheless, it's worth admiring just from the outside.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free

Cimitero della Villetta

On the western side of the River Parma is one of the city's most noteworthy landmarks, its cemetery. The cemetery has become a place of pilgrimage for many music-lovers, as it's here that the embalmed body of the famous violinist, Niccolo Paganini can be found, underneath a canopy.
Open hours: daily, summer - 08:00 to 12:30 and 16:00 to 19:00; winter - 08:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 17:00
Admission: free