Parma Walking Tour – Explore the Heart of Italy on Foot
Parma, a beautiful city in the heart of Italy, offers a delightful experience for travelers. As famous for its gastronomy, landmarks and its cultural deep-rooted heritage, one of the best ways to really enjoy the charm of the city is to walk around. On a Parma walking tour, you will discover the sights you do not know, feel the dolce far niente lived in this place and enjoy the beaity of this ultra charming place. In this blog post, I will take you to a full and detailed walking tour of Parma to explore major attractions, other attractions, and information for a perfect experience.
1. Starting Point: Piazza Garibaldi
Your Parma walking tour starts at Piazza Garibaldi, lively and enclosed public square that lies at the heart of the city. Have a brief spell to enjoy the beautiful stately homes looming the sq. and get the historic importance it carries. From here you can easily get to all the atractions in Parma.
2. Parma Cathedral (Duomo di Parma)
A short stroll from Piazza Garibaldi will take you to Parma Cathedral, a resplendent and dazzling medieval art and architectural treasure. Each interior is breathtaking and you can actually explore and see all of the intricate details from the outside. Do then pop into the adjacent Baptistery famous for its superb frescoes by the talented Benedetto Antelami.
3. Palazzo della Pilotta
Continue exploring Parma with your walking tour stopping at Palazzo della Pilotta, a great complex made up of museums, galleries and a theater. Must-visit places on the premises include the National Gallery, Farnese Theater and Archaeological Museum. Let yourself be transported in to the fotunate history and ar in the beautiful halls.
4. Parco Ducale
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and take a peaceful stroll through Parco Ducale, peaceful park that is a nice respite from your urban discovery. There is plenty of amazing scope on this expansive green area for a sunny picnic or peaceful break amongst nature’s beauty.
5. Foodie Delights: Parma Ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano
No stay in Parma would ever be complete without trying two of its most renowned elements of cuisine, namely Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma) and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. As you are taking a walking tour, it is a must to visit the nearby local markets or old style food shops, where you can taste and buy these iconic pieces. Do not forget to complete them with excellent local wine!
6. Teatro Regio
Your next destination ought to be the Teatro Regio, a breathtaking opera house that is admired for its outstanding architecture and high-class performances. Even if you are not going to the show, pause to admire the grandeur of the building from the facade.
7. Parma’s Street Art
While wandering through the streets of Parma, take a look at the colourfull street art which can be found on every walls and alleyways. This forms of artistic expression gives a modern flavor to the historic city surroundings and offers an alternative way of offering art.
8. University of Parma
As you continue your walking tour to its completion visit the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities Italy has to offer. Walk around the lovely campus, immerse yourself in the academic ambience, take delight in the striking features of the edifices where this prestigious establishment is set.
9. Parma’s Hidden Courtyards
Hidden from the main thoroughfares of the city, Parma has a number of secluded courtyards. These hidden bliss offers a serene retreat and a look into regular life of a local. Do stifle yourself from foraying into these less visited nooks and unwrapped charming.”
10. Finale: Piazza della Pace
End Parma’s walking tour at Piazza della Pace, a vibrant square filled with cafes and restaurants. Rest your feet, order a cool drink and take in the colours while going back on the memories of this pleasant journey through Parma’s animated ambience.
Final Thoughts
A walking tour of Parma gets you into the history, the culture and the cuisine of the city. By touring Parma on foot, you have the ability to discover off the beaten path spots, encounter the locals and to make memories for a lifetime. Whether is a history buff, a foodie or a traveler looking to get to the soul of Italy, a parma city walking tour is a great way to discover the pure essence of this fantastic destination.
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