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Latest Parma hotel reviews
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The Piazza Garibaldi has been the heart of Parma since Roman times, when it was the forum; many of the buildings fronting upon this civic plaza date from the thirteenth through the sixteenth century. The Palace of the Governor with its communal tower, all in a shade dubbed "Parma Yellow" by Napoleon's wife Maria Louisa, draws the eye as you enter the piazza. Be sure to notice the sun's shadow on the two meridians built by Lorenzo Ferrari in 1829 on the front of the Governor's Palace, which recently reopened as a museum for contemporary art and traveling exhibitions. (Like most Italian museums, it is closed on Mondays.) Cafes abound, so if you're in need of a morning cappuccino or an afternoon Campari, you'll find multiple options here. Many of the bus lines run down the via della Repubblica.
Written Jul 31, 2010
Phone: 0521 218929
Website: www.turismo.comune.parma.it
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The Palazzo del Governatore (Governor Palace) is a 75 metre long palace located in Garibaldi square, dating back to the 13th century. However it is hard to guess it’s so old, as it has been remodeled and retouched so many times during the centuries. There’s a baroque tower in the middle (built in 1673) with two extremely fine sundials painted by Lorenzo Ferrari and Luigi Pazzoni in 1829.
The palace is now the home of a museum of modern and contemporary art. Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10.00-19.00 and on Saturday it’s open until midnight.
Updated Jun 7, 2010
Address: piazza garibaldi
Phone: 0521/218.929
Website: www.palazzodelgovernatore.it
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The Farnese theatre is a stunning wooden theatre built by Giovanni Battista Aleotti between 1616 and 1618. It is housed in the southern wind of the Palazzo della Pilotta. The theatre replaced the sala d’armi (weaponry room) and was built for a purpose.. or better for a man. This man was Cosimo II de' Medici, who was meant o stop in Parma on his pilgrimage to the tomb of San Carlo Borromeo. The duke Ranuccio I Farnese decided to build a theatre for this occasion and to offer him a special show. However, this did not happen, and the theatre was inaugurated only in 1628, when Margherita de' Medici married the duke Odoardo Farnese. The peculiarity of this theatre is the fact that here were installed the first-ever revolving stages in an Italian theatre.
Entrance is € 2,00 and the theatre is open every day friom 9.00 top 14.00. Photography is not allowed – I did manage to snap a few illegal pics without flash, but it wasn’t easy.
Updated May 28, 2010
Address: Piazzale della Pilotta, 15
Phone: 0521.233309
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The Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni is an old spice shop that used to belong to the San Giovanni complex. No one knows exactly when it was fonde, but we know that in 1201 it was already in existence. It was in operation until 1766, then the monks gave it up.
There are three rooms inside the old shop: the sala del fuoco (fire room), the sala dei Mortai (mortars room) and the sala delle sirene (mermaids room). To buy some of the monks soaps and oils you have to head to the convent next door: I bought a bottle of a very refreshing oil made with 31 different herbs – which is good for relaxation and massages.
The old spice shop open all year round Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 to 13.45. May to September there’s extended hours and the shop stays open on Mondays, as well. Closing times are at 18.00 or 19.00. Entrance is 2,00 € and photography is not allowed, but if you ask nicely they will not object to you taking a photo or two, provided you don’t use your flash.
Updated May 26, 2010
Address: Borgo Pipa, 1
Phone: 0521233309
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San Giovanni Evangelista is a religious complex made of a Church (in the main photo), a convent and the Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni (old spice shop).
The baroque-looking church was actually built in the 10th century and has some fine Correggio frescoes… there are two cloisters, where you can see other Correggio frescoes and a fine library with about 20000 books, including some truly excellent miniatures.
The complex is open every day from 9.00 to12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00. Entrance is free.
Updated May 26, 2010
Address: Piazzale S.Giovanni, 1
Phone: 0521.235311
Website: www.parmasangiovanni.com
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The most fantastic sundial is located in the square in Parma. It is very complicated and versatile. I did not keep good notes on all of its functions. It must be seen to be believed.
It marks the months, days, seasons, hours, times at different locations. On top of all that it is beautiful. See the pics.
Updated May 22, 2010
Address: Right in the main square
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The Palazzo vescovile is the Bishop's palace, built in XI-XII century has changed many times its appearance, and the way we see it now dates back to the latest remodeling at the beginning of 1900's. Only the entrance door and the tower are what's left of its original medieval structure. Inside you can visit the Museo Diocesano.
The palace is open every day 9.00 - 12.30 and 15.00 – 18.30. Entrance fee is € 3,00 for adults and € 1,50 for children and over 65. You can also buy a combined ticket which allows you to visit this palace and the battistero for € 4,00; while children, groups and over 65 pay only € 2,00
Written May 18, 2010
Address: piazza duomo
Phone: 0521-208699
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The name Palazzo della Pilotta comes from "pilotta", or else the pelota" - a basque game that was played in one of the building's courtyards. This very nice palace, which looks vaguely incomplete - and probably was - was built by the Farnese family between 1583 and 1622 and was meant to be a court service building annexed to the Ducal Palace. The palace has three courtyards: the Cortile di San Pietro Martire (which is now known as Cortile della Pilotta), Cortile del Guazzatoio and the Cortile della Racchetta.
Today the Palazzo della Pilotta is the home of three museums (the national archaeological museum, the national Gallery and the Bodoni Museum), a library (the Palatine library) and art school (Scuola d'arte Toschi) and a theatre (Farnese theatre).
Written May 18, 2010
Address: piazzale della pilotta
Phone: +39 0521 23 3309
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The Duomo of Parma is an imposing Romanesque cathedral which was completed in the 12th century. The dome is particularly interesting because of its rich decorations by the Renaissance painter Antonio da Correggio representing the Virgin’s Assumption. The belfry is Gothic and was added in a second stage, between 1284 and 1294. originally there were meant to be two belfries but the second one was never even begun.
The church is open every day 9.00 - 12.30 and 15.00 - 19.00, whereas the museum only at the following times: 9.00-12.30 and 15.00 - 18.30. Entry fee (2010) € 3.00 for adults and € 1.50 for chuildren.
Written May 18, 2010
Address: piazza duomo
Phone: 0521.235886
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This DUcal Palae, which can be found inside the Parco Ducale, was built by Ottavio Farnese in 1561 and has many points of interests which make it worth visiting inside.
On the ground floor you can see a collection of works of art by Cesare Baglioni dating back to the beginning of 1600's. As you walk up the staircase you come to the Sala degli uccelli (bird's room) where you can see frescos and stuccos of 224 different types of birds.
Other interesting rooms are the Sala di Alcina, Sala del Bacio (of the kiss), Sala d’Orfeo, Sala di Erminia, Sala dell’Amore (of love), Sala delle leggende (of the legends). All have very interesting frescoes.
Written May 18, 2010
Address: inside parco Ducale
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Q: re:Rubra Bed & Breakfast in Parma. How do I contact them & what are prices?
A: See http://www.bbrubra.com/lang_eng/index.php Bill
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