Location: Parma
Top Things to do in Parma
Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Parma, Emilia-Romagna
Best known for its incredibly edible contributions to world gastronomy (especially parmigiano cheese and Parma ham), Parma has also been revered by opera lovers (who flock to its Teatro Regio) since the days of Verdi, who was born in nearby Roncole. Parma’s many historic sights include the 11th-century cathedral and its baptistry. Begun in the 12th century, it's considered one of medieval Europe’s most important buildings for its straddling of the Romanesque and Gothic architecture periods.
Restaurants in Parma
1. Cappella Universitaria
2. Monastero di San Giovanni Evangelista
3. Battistero di Parma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,869 reviews
Reviewed By dyonai - Tel Aviv, Israel
This octagonal was build at the end of the 12th century, while transition from Romanesque to Gothic style. Inside it is covered with frescoes from foundation to the top.A unique Medival monument.
4. Cattedrale di Parma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,526 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
The cathedral is a must-see and was one of the highlights of our day trip to Parma. It is right next door to the Baptistery, so you can see both together. An added bonus is that entry is free. The only drawback is that there is not a lot of information inside - there are some English and Italian signs but not much. We didn't do a tour and in hindsight, it would have been helpful to have at least read something about it beforehand. MAIN FEATURES • The walls of the entire nave are painted with colourful scenes from the Bible, telling the story of Jesus’ life and Old Testament stories. • The Cupola is painted with a 3D perspective by Correggio (1526). The 3D effect is quite incredible. Mary is ascending to Heaven in a whirlpool of clouds and angels. It amused us that the artist had discreetly painted Mary with her dress and robes tucked modestly in around her legs and her feet dangling - not very dignified way. I guess it was a bit of a problem to paint a realistic 3D image and not have Mary with her dress billowing out above the heads of the congregation below. • The Deposition by Benedetto Antelami – this one is easy to miss because it is tucked away on the right hand side of the church. It is a large stone plaque fixed to the side wall so it’s much plainer than the frescoed walls or cupola and doesn't grab your attention. It is dated from 1178 and was most likely part of an altar. Jesus is at the centre, his lifeless body being supported by John as he is taken down from the cross. On the right, Roman soldiers are gambling between themselves for Jesus’ clothes. We puzzled at first over a lot of small holes punched across the stonework. It turns out that each of the holes would have been studded with a precious jewel which made us realise that the sculpture would have looked quite different in its's day and definitely didn't always look this plain. • I particularly liked the 2 stylised stone lions flanking the outside doors – they made a great photo.
5. Camera di San Paolo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By 968nicholash - London, United Kingdom
This single room has some of the most amazing frescoes among all the many great examples I saw on my visit to the Emilia Romagna region. They are deeply disruptive, portraying some distinctly unpleasant behaviour by a whole range of very naughty Putti! A must see if you come to Parma.
6. Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata (Madonna della Steccata)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
Reviewed By FrequentFlier734242 - Moscow, Russia
This Church in honor of our lady was built in 1521 -1539 in imitation of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. It was painted by Parmigianino (1530-1540), a famous portrait painter and engraver. There is also the tomb of the Dukes of the house of Farnese and the Bourbons.
7. CSAC - Centro Studi e Archivio della Comunicazione
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
CSAC, an archive and research centre of the University of Parma for the study of visual and design culture in Italy. Now also a museum.
8. Saint Antonio Abate Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
9. Chiesa di Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
10. Oratorio di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
