PARMA, ITALY

The city of Parma

Parma is a city with almost 200,000 inhabitants with just as many again in the surrounding provinces. Split from west to east by via Emilia – it is located between Piacenza and Reggio Emilia – and the river Parma runs from the south to the north. The river is nicknamed “la voladora” because when it floods, it takes everything with it down towards the valley. Parma's title of ducal city or "petite capitale" comes from its two centuries of Farnesian domination and especially from the influence that Maria Luigia and her reign had on general traditions and customs. Locals from Parma like to remember their roots and like to be seen as descendents of the sensitive Duchess. It is probably due to this illustrious past that the locals are well-known for their elegance. You will find it hard to see anyone in the central streets and boutiques who is not well dressed with clothes being just as good as the “prêt-a-porter” an high fashions of the capital.

Parma is also of course, the capital of good food. The many restaurants, to suit all tastes and pockets, are testimony to this.... more