Parma, Italy

Parma, ItalyThe Food Lovers Destination

Parma Italy is a near costal destination known for its architecture, beautiful green countryside, cobblestone alleys, and food. World famous Parmigianino Reggiano cheese has been made in this part of Italy for over 700 years and world-famous cured Parma ham (aptly named prosciutto de parma) is served in nearly every eatery in the area.

Founded over 2,000 years ago, Parma has both a strong Etruscan and Roman heritage and boasts many well-preserved ancient remains of these former inhabitants. Tourism is currently enjoying great popularity in Parma.

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Parma is located in Emilia-Romagna (northern Italy), very near the Italian West Coast, and is designated as a province (city) covering approximately 97 square miles. Present census numbers show the current population at approximately 190,000 people who speak primarily Italian or Emiliano-Romagnolo.

The current currency is a Euro (EUR) and as of March 19, 2011, the exchange rate is 0.71 (rounded) Euro for an American dollar.(Italy) Parma in on the Central European Time Zone (GMT + 1) and is 6 hours ahead of the United States Central Time Zone.

The Average daily Parma January temperature: 6C / 43F and the Average daily Parma July temperature: 27C / 81F and the Elevation at center is 7,618 feet

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History

Palazzo del Governatore GOVERNMENT

Because of the much utilized north-south Parma route from the Po River valley to Liguria and Tuscany, the city is easily-accessible and was founded in 183 B.C. by 2000 Roman citizens as part of a route colonization project in which the nearby towns of Piacenza, Modena and Bologna were also established. From 1802 until 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte ruled Parma, followed by rule by his second wife, Maria Luigia of Austria, whose influential power lasted until her death in 1847. Parma was later joined in the Kingdom of Italy on March 18, 1860.

Currently, all governement buildings are located in Palazzo del Governatore (loosely translated: Governors Plaza)3

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Bardi CastleoccaSanvitale of FontanellatoReggia of Colorno

The surroundings of Parma are scattered with castles built by noble families between the 14th and the 15th century: Bardi Castleocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato and Reggia of Colorno to name a few. The cost of entry is seasonal but relatively inexpensive.4

ART

Lucio Diodati

There are many art galleries that present themselves in Parma and allow visitors to view excellent local Italian art works. For lovers of modern art in Parma, the Centro Studi Archivio della Comunicazione (CSAS) is the place to go, while Tuscan exhibits at the Pinacoteca Stuard Gallery offer more traditional paintings and art work.

The National Gallery (Galleria Nazionale) in Parma is a must see and holds a fine collection of art work. The gallery is located on the second floor of the Palazzo della Pilotta, next to the Farnese Theater (Teatro Farnese).

Well known local Protagonist painter, Lucio Diodati, whose art is shown here, in the galleries and may be seen during business hours (normally 8 or 9 am until 6 pm). Some galleries have a minimum admission fee ($5 USD) while others are free.

5LODGING

Lodging may be found in multiple forms to include hotels such as the NH, hotel Parma and Star Hotels that cost an average of $57 to $121 per night. There are a number of hotels within walking distance of tourist centers, attractions, shopping and eateries. There are public toilets in Parma while tourists are out and about. Some toilets have a minimal fee ($1-2 dollars) and others are free. 6

HOME AND VILLA RENTALS

Homes and Villa may be rented by the week or month for an average of $600-$800 per week. Many homes have internet reception, fully stocked pantries, sleep an average of 6-16 people, and have a host or hostess to assist the tourist during their stay.7

TRANSPORTATION

Parma is a relatively small city and is therefore easy to travel around on foot. Indeed, as the historic centre of the city is closed to traffic to avoid pollution and congestion problems, cars are a mostly redundant form of transport, unless you plan to travel around the region during your stay.

A popular way of travelling quickly and easily within Parma is to hire a bicycle, and these can be hired relatively inexpensively ($10 USD per day) at several outlets within the city centre.

Transportation from Parma to outlying areas may be made by Car (rentals are available for an average cost of $36.00 per day).Trains are available to travel from city to city. Daily routes are posted in the local train directories and usually run all day and into the early morning hours. Trains are very cost effective and are charged per stop.

3. by airParma has its own airport:Giuseppe Verdi (4 km from Parma; international code: PMF)tel. Parma Airport Information Office (+39)521 9515www.aeroportoparma.it/zeindex.htm

4. Any more possibilities? Hmm... I think about a baloon landing in Piazza del Duomo - would you like it? He? :-)

8FOOD AND WINE TOURS

Prosciutto di Parma festival. Every year in September the towns of Langhirano and Parma host this special gourmet event the tour price of $235 includes all food and drink as well as entry fees, but does not include transportation.

Wine Tours are available in wines on the hills for the Sauvignon, Rosso Colli di Parma (Barbera and Bonarda grapes), and Malvasia Colli di Parma vineyards.

Cheese tours are available for Parmigianno Reggiano producers as well. These tours allow the patron to stir curds and experience the old world style of making this special cheese. Tousr include tastes and samples and wine parings as well.

9GASTRONOMY TOURS AND COURSES

The Academia Barilla offers professional and amateur cooking classes as well as food tours for regional cuisine. Tours may include the classes or tours only, or may include full packages to include lodging and transportation. The prices and offers change regularly and may be found at http://www.academiabarilla.com for current offers.10

Restaurants

Though there are many restaurants in the Parma area, the most popular are always the family owned, cozy establishments such as La Parma. This style of eatery offers traditional Italian food choices enjoyed by locals and tourists every day. The prices in these local eateries is often comparable to popular US establishments such as Outback, or Carrabas.11Collecchio, ItalyNoceto, ItalyViadana, ItalyQuattro Castella, ItalyCasalmaggiore, ItalyFidenza, ItalySalsomaggiore Terme, ItalyGuastalla, ItalyNovellara, ItalyCorreggio, ItalyScandiano, ItalyRubiera, ItalySuzzara, ItalyCasalgrande, ItalyCremona, Italy

Cities listed within 42 km of Parma, Italy.

CORREGGIO

QUATTRO CASTELLA

Further Exploration: There are 15 cities within 42 kilometers, outside of Parma to explore that offer food, art, architecture, and historical exploration. Each area could be accessed by rental car, train or cab for minimal fees. Corregio, for example, is a small location with beautiful countryside to explore while cities such as Quattro Castella offer architectural and historical excursions. 12

RELIGION

Italy is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Catholic branch of the Christian religion. It was in Italy that Catholic theology first developed and the Pope, the official head of the Catholic religion, who Vatican City in Italy. About 80% of people in Italy identify themselves as followers of the Catholic religion in Italy. Although secular practices have to a large degree penetrated in to the culture and customs of Italians, certain religious rights and observances are still observed quite faithfully.

While there are other denominations of the Christian religion represented in Italy, these are very small in number. Perhaps the most significant of these religions are the Jehovah Witnesses who number approximately half a million people; as well as other interpretations of the Christian religion in Italy include the Protestants.

It should be noted that the Muslim religion is the second largest religion in Italy. The total number of followers of the Muslim religion in Italy currently stands at about 700,000, but the majority of these followers of the Muslim religion in Italy are either recent immigrants or second generation immigrants to Italy

13PARMA ITALYThe Best Choice For YourVacation Destination

Parma is a great choice for your vacation destination because it offers a fantastic array of all the romance and beauty of Italy within a small, family like atmosphere. The food, history, architecture and landscapes will leave any tourist satisfied and yearning to return year and after year.14SOURCEShttp://en.comuni-italiani.it/035/020/http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-485965-correggio_italy_vacations-ihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quattro_Castellahttp://answers.encyclopedia.com/question/dominant-religion-italy-90746.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Italy/Italy%E2%80%99s-Main-Religions/305Sources:15