For your taste
Due to historical, climate and environmental circumstances, Parma is wordlwide famous for several typical products. Both its agricultural and food capacity and the proverbial demand and refinement of its inhabitants made Parma become in 2002 the seat of the European Food Saftey Authority (EFSA).
If you wish to visit Parma and its province, we suggest you to save some time for the tasting of these excellent products in restaurants, inns, gastronomic shops, as well as paying a visit to the producers or to the dedicated “Musei del Gusto”.
Parma Ham (“Prosciutto di Parma DOP”)
It is stamped by the “Consorzio di tutela del Prosciutto di Parma” with a five-cornered crown, indicating that the ham has been cured and controlled for no less than 12 months. It is considered “sweet” for its delicate taste, distinguishing it from the other kinds of ham produced in Europe. Its origin is very old: the pork meet manufacture is already mentioned and appreciated by the Romans and it will improve along the centuries until today’s excellence. The Prosciutto di Parma is produced on Parma hills, especially around Langhirano. There we can visit the “Museo del Prosciutto” and get to know its history and its manufacture methods, as well as taste it, together with a good “Colli di Parma” wine!
Parmesan Cheese (“Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP”)
This famous cheese, known for its excellent nutritional properties, can be exclusively produced within a delimited area across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and two small parts of Mantova and Bologna’s provinces. Its name originates from the lands where it was born and which still remain its major producers. The cheese production is nowadays still manufactured! If you cannot believe it, come with us and visit a cheese factory! Discover and learn how to recognize the true Parmigiano-Reggiano from its imitations… There is also a dedicate museum where we can show you more about the history and origins of “the king of the table”.
Culatello di Zibello (DOP)
In spite of its strange name, this is a product which must be definitely tasted: it is the most precious among cured meat! Its seasoning requires very specific climate and environmental conditions which can only be found in the plain area between the “Via Emilia” and the Po River (commonly called “Bassa”, meaning “Low”). Come and taste with us the real Culatello in the most right places, in order to discover the secrets of its production and enjoy it with “torta fritta” and some “Fortana” wine.
For your curiosity
While visiting a town and its surroundings you may sometimes discover some traditions and peculiarities that have then propagated elsewhere, but whose origin end existence you may not be aware of. Here we advance some information… the rest will be revealed by us during your visit, if you decide to follow us through the most charming and peculiar aspects offered by Parma and its province.
Violet of Parma
Marie Louise of Austria, second wife of Napoleon, was duchess of Parma, Piacenza and Guastalla from 1816 to 1847. Her wise government, always attentive to the people’s needs, made her beloved by her subjects. She was elegant and refined and liked violets so much that she used to cultivate them herself and to draw a violet as a signature. She even requested to the Annunciata Friary to extract from these flowers a perfume which was produced solely for her. Later Ludovico Borsari got the recipe and started its industrial production.
Puppets’ Museum (Museo dei Burattini)
Do you need a break after the visit to an artistic monument? Are you waiting for the shops to open after lunch? Let’s visit together this very pleasant and interesting museum, the biggest in Europe on this subject. Its collection includes some famous characters from the Italian television, together with many amazing puppets and marionettes.
Gianbattista Bodoni
A last information you cannot be aware of! Do you see the font in the
picture beside? It is the “Bodoni” font, from the name of Giambattista
Bodoni, a very skilled typographer who was cahrged in 1768 by the Duke
of Parma Ferdinando di Borbone of the “Stamperia Reale” creation and
implementation. The famous printer managed the Stamperia till his death:
he invented useful instruments, printed very precious works and created
above all this elegant font, still used by the modern media. Inside the
huge Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma there is a Museum dedicated to
Giambattista Bodoni and his work instruments: we can visit together this
place still scenting of ancient ink and unique book editions.
More and more you will be able to taste and admire if you decide to visit Parma with our guides. Contact us, and we will provide you with a customized guided tour, based on your interests and preferences.