4 articles Updated September 29, 2026

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Longer reads on Parma's history, art and food

Longer reads on Marie Louise, Correggio and Parmigianino, the UNESCO food title and the labels on Parma food.

A table of aged cheese, sliced ham, salami, tomatoes, bread and wine

Why Parma is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy

A network membership, not a restaurant rating and not World Heritage. What UNESCO recognized in 2015, what changed on the ground, and a one-day way to eat what the title describes.

Member since December 2015 Italy's first City of Gastronomy The city food trail is free
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DOP, IGP and the labels on Parma foodParmigiano Reggiano dairy visitThe Food Museums (Musei del Cibo)
A bunch of violets and antique white gloves on an old leather-bound book

Marie Louise, the Duchess who made Parma

Napoleon's second wife was given Parma for life in 1815 and ruled it for 31 years. Here is what she built, what is myth, and where to find her today, from the Teatro Regio to her fortepiano.

Duchess from 1816 to 1847 Teatro Regio opened 1829 Her museum: €7, closed Monday
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Museo Glauco LombardiTeatro Regio di ParmaVioletta di Parma
Close-up of the dotted pattern on the rind of an aged cheese wheel

DOP, IGP and the labels on Parma food

The EU marks decoded, then the marks the consortia burn into the product: pin dots and an oval brand on Parmigiano, a five-point crown on the ham. Plus what Parmesan means in the US.

DOP = PDO, IGP = PGI Parmigiano: protected since 1996 Ham gets its crown at 14 months
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Parmigiano ReggianoProsciutto di ParmaCulatello di Zibello
Correggio's Assumption fresco swirling up the octagonal dome of Parma Cathedral

Correggio and Parmigianino: Parma's two painters

Two painters, one city, five buildings. Who Correggio and Parmigianino were, where their work hangs or soars in Parma, what is closed or on loan this autumn, and the order that makes sense.

Both domes are free to see Camera di San Paolo shut to 2027 1.5 km, Duomo to Pilotta
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Correggio and Parmigianino walkParma Cathedral (Duomo)San Giovanni Evangelista

Build the rest of the trip

Everything else on the site, with what is in it.

Sights 15 Experiences 12 Events 7 Day trips 12 Walks 6 Areas 6 Hotels 12 Restaurants 16 Local food 12 Bars 6 Plan 8 Itineraries 6 Worth it? 8 Guides 5