29 Apr 2021
The city of Parma, in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna, has released new events that will taking place throughout 2021 as part of its current title of Italian Capital of Culture. When international travel resumes, there are many reasons to plan a visit to Parma this year and experience the best of “slow tourism” in Emilia Romagna.
The UNESCO-listed city of Parma has a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Today, it boasts one of the oldest universities in the world and is renowned for its theatre and music scenes as well as for its culinary credentials, including Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma) and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Cultural programme
As Italian Capital of Culture 2021, Parma will host a rich programme of events throughout the year, including theatrical shows, cinema projections, music concerts, dance performances and food and wine fairs. Some of the new 2021 events that have just been announced include:
Antelami in Parma – the work of man, the time of the Earth
Until end of August 2021 at the Parma Cathedral
This is a temporary exhibition of the statues of the Months and Seasons by Benedetto Antelami, which have been moved from the internal loggia of the Baptistery to the niches on the ground floor, offering visitors a much closer look. Antelami was an Italian architect and sculptor of the Romanesque school, considered to have been one of the greatest of his time.
https://parma2020.it/en/event-detail/6469/
Around Goya in Italy. Paolo Borroni and the others. The years of change
Until 12 September 2021
This exhibition aims to reconstruct the cultural and figurative climate to which the young Spanish artist, Goya, drew the years of his Italian stay. The works on display underline the enormous value of the artistic suggestions experienced in Italy by Goya, acquired and become personal in its free interpretation: by the great leaders such as Giaquinto, Tiepolo, and Mengs, Batoni, Piranesi and Kuntze.
https://parma2020.it/en/event-detail/12143/
Art Path: from Langhirano to Torrechiara
Until the end of 2021
A walk through nature, art, history and cuisine along ancient vineyards and the works of art of six contemporary artists including Danilo Cassano, Mirta Carroli, Graziano Pompili and Giovanni Sala. This is what visitors to the Art Path will find along the six kilometres that extend from Langhirano to Torrechiara. The trail is suitable for travellers of all ages, hikers and families with children.
https://parma2020.it/en/event-detail/5710/
VERDI360° Life in music. The Multimedia Show
Until 30 January 2022
Giuseppe Verdi, one of the world's greatest opera composers, was born in Busseto, near Parma. This exciting multimedia show, conceived on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Verdi's death, has been built on the interaction between music and projections – and will tell the artist's biography through a new, modern and engaging format, combining art, performance, music and the most advanced technology. Those visiting Parma in October (dates TBC) can also attend the Verdi Festival, an annual event to celebrate the music of “the Maestro”.
https://parma2020.it/en/event-detail/44291/
For a list of all 2020/21 events, please visit: https://parma2020.it/en/events/
UK travellers to Parma this year can download the Parma 2020+21 app to easily book tickets and monitor queues; as well as getting hold of the Parma Card, which gives unlimited access to bike sharing and public transport for three days for €21.
Hotels in Parma
Those visiting Parma this year can check out the following hotel options for a pleasant and tranquil stay in the city:
Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati
Situated in Parma's historic centre, Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati offers refined and splendidly furnished rooms right alongside the Parma Cathedral and the Baptistery of Parma. Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati features modern guest rooms, suites and apartments just a short walk from Piazza Duomo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares.
Grand Hotel De La Ville
Conceived by celebrated architect, Renzo Piano, Grand Hotel de la Ville is also located within walking distance from the historic centre of Parma. The hotel has 110 rooms (including seven suites), a fitness centre and “Parmigianino” restaurant, a great option to taste the local cuisine.
CDH Hotel Villa Ducale
Located just outside Parma, DH Hotel Villa Ducale offers 113 elegant rooms, large free car park and the modern-style Villa Ducale Restaurant. The property is characterised by the union of two structures: the Villa and the Towers, which were built in different times and in different styles but linked harmonious by a large sail.
“Slow travel” around Parma
Not only is the city of Parma worth a visit this year, but also its surrounding areas. The Parma region, running from the Po river to the Apennines, offers a chance to go back in time and discover beautiful castles and fortresses such as the Rocca Sanvitale in Fontanellato (18km from Parma city), the Castle of Torrechiara (20km) and the majestic Royal Palace of Colorno (15km), reachable also by public transport.
Foodies will also want to venture into the Parma region to try the region's culinary delights such as Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma) and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Parma's surrounding area features a total of seven food museums to cater for all tastes: Prosciutto di Parma Museum, Parmigiano Reggiano Museum, Felino Salami Museum, Culatello Museum, Tomato Museum, Pasta Museum and Wine Museum.
Due to its strategic location, Parma is also an ideal stop for a “slow travel” experience along the Via Francigena, the ancient path that pilgrims followed from north-western Europe to Rome (recognised as a cultural itinerary by the European Council). Parma is also a great starting point for a trip along the Via Emilia – the thousand-year-old Roman road that gives its name to the region of Emilia Romagna. A road trip along the Via Emilia, covering 165 miles from Piacenza (west) to Rimini (east), on the Adriatic coast, is one of the best ways to visit and make the most of the region when international travel is allowed – especially as the Via Emilia is described as a 'road less travelled' linking lesser-known Italian destinations.
For further information on Parma 2020+21, visit: https://parma2020.it/en/
For further information on the region of Emilia Romagna, visit www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en
