Add dates

Parma Culture & history

Our most recommended Parma Culture & history

Parma: Prosciutto Di Parma (Parma Ham) Museum Ticket

1. Parma: Prosciutto Di Parma (Parma Ham) Museum Ticket

Visit the Parma Museum of Prosciutto and Cured Meat Products, located in the massive edifice of the former cattle market in Langhirano, the fatherland of Parma Prosciutto. The cattle market is an attraction in itself; the result of an urban renewal process designed to bring touristic and cultural attractions to the area along the River Parma. Learn the significance that this cattle market holds for the city of Parma and learn how the city has transformed in the past years. Throughout the exhibition, discover the cultural and historical significance of His Majesty the Parma Prosciutto. This prosciutto is a true treat to the palette, one that shouldn't just be tasted, but truly savored. Learn the process that results in the exquisite flavors and quality that Prosciutto of Parma is known for today. Those who wish to taste the Prosciutto of Parma may choose to add a tasting to their entry ticket.

From Bologna or Modena: Parma Gastronomic Tour with Lunch

2. From Bologna or Modena: Parma Gastronomic Tour with Lunch

Discover the production of two excellences of Italian cuisine, Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham, on a gastronomic tour from Bologna. After being picked up from your accommodation in Bologna or Modena Learn more about Parma and its local cuisine that is so popular that it often ends up dominating conversations among locals. Visit a historic Parmigiano Reggiano factory where an expert guide will show you the stages of production, and you'll be able to taste some of the cheese made by the factory. Then, discover more about the production of Parma Ham. Learn the secrets of this Italian delicacy followed by a tasting paired with a glass of local wine.  Following your visit to the Parma Ham factory, enjoy a light lunch at a prosciuttificio with typical products and dishes. Finally, head back to your accommodation in Bologna or Modena.

From Milan: Parma and Bologna Private Day Trip

3. From Milan: Parma and Bologna Private Day Trip

Enjoy a Private Tour of Parma and Bologna from Milan for twelve hours with a private tour guide for two hours in each city and a private luxury vehicle with a chauffeur that will pick you up and drop you off from your hotel in Milan. Once your private chauffeur has picked you up, besides your private tour guide you will go ahead to your first destination. You will discover Parma, a city in the north of Italy that has remarkable medieval architecture and beautiful forests surrounding it. Your private tour guide will show you the tourist attractions of the city such as the cathedral with Romanesque style, the opera house Teatro, the Baptistery with Romanesque and Gothic styles and much more. When you finish visiting Parma you will go ahead to your destination, Bologna which is one of the best-preserved historic cities and has one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe. You will visit as well the tourist attractions of Bologna such as the two medieval famous towers, the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio known for being one of the largest churches in existence, the basilica of San Francisco known for being a Gothic church and much more. After visiting the two cities, your private chauffeur will drop you off at your hotel in Milan or your place of preference inside the city.

Parma: Museum of Pasta Entry Ticket

4. Parma: Museum of Pasta Entry Ticket

Reserve your ticket to the Museum of Pasta in Parma and learn about the staple of Italian cuisine which is enjoyed worldwide. Explore the museum which is dedicated to the historical, technological, and cultural knowledge of pasta, divided into ten sections. Explore the first section, which is devoted to wheat, its properties, and cultivation methods, including models, old peasant implements, and records that document the growth of agricultural techniques. The second section is devoted to grinding and includes models and historical iconography, as well as a reconstruction of a millstone and a modern cylinder mill. See exhibits of small household equipment in the third section. Discover the art of the rolling pin, and find out more about the proud Italian tradition of fresh pasta. Discover the origins of the first true industrial pasta factory from the first half of the nineteenth century. Learn about the steps of dry pasta manufacture using ancient technology that has been meticulously repaired. In the fifth area, the second nucleus of antique equipment depicts the production procedures in an Emilian artisan workshop from the previous century. See models of machines that present the current, very modern technologies used in industrial pasta factories to ensure a consistently high-quality product. See a variety of posters, playbills, and historical items used to promote pasta. The gastronomy component contains the history of the colander, recipe books, as well as information about optimal format and condiment combinations. Find out about the distinctive characteristics of Italy's many regions and the Mediterranean diet. Finish up by seeing various representations of pasta in art and culture, from paintings to stamps. Choose to include an optional pasta tasting at the end of your tour.

Polesine Parmense: Culatello di Zibello Museum Ticket

5. Polesine Parmense: Culatello di Zibello Museum Ticket

Explore the Culatello di Zibello Ham Museum located beside the Antica Corte Pallavicina complex in Polesine Parmense. Learn about the history and cultivation of this delicious cured meat known across the world. You can also enjoy an optional tasting, or a visit to the nearby historic castle. Upon arrival, admire the surrounding environment, the poplar groves, and the River Po. Head first into the basement for an introduction into the world of Culatello. Learn about the primary ingredients of the production of this delicacy. Learn about the precious salt of Salsomaggiore, and the pepper with its origins from historic trading links in the Far East. Head next to the gallery of Culatello with fine examples of the finished product. If you select the option when booking, you can enter the Hosteria room to enjoy some delicious samples of the ham. You can also access the Antica Corte Pallavicina, known as the Palace of the Two Towers.

Sala Baganza: Wine Museum Ticket

6. Sala Baganza: Wine Museum Ticket

Enjoy learning about the history of Italian winemaking and immerse yourself in local wine culture with this ticket to Wine Museum in Sala Baganza. Have the option to include a winetasting experience at the end of your museum visit.  Visit six different sections from the archeology of wine in the Parma area. Uncover the secrets of local viticulture. Watch as the characteristics of the vine, the harvesting and making of wine is revealed to you.   See exhibits like a Renaissance icebox, old wine containers. Learn the history of the cork stopper, corkscrew, and wine labels. Find out about wine pioneers and hear about which wineries you should visit.  Feel the thrill of descending into the cellars of the Sala Baganza castle, where wine has been aged for centuries. 

Frequently asked questions about Parma

What top attractions are a must-see in Parma?

The must-see attractions in Parma are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Parma

Want to discover all there is to do in Parma? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Parma

Incredible tour of an authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and a wonderful tour of a family owned Parma Ham factory in the hills. Our driver Francesco was very friendly, professional, and polite offering dinner suggestions on the way home. Everyone from both factories were very friendly and welcoming as well. We thoroughly enjoyed the tours and loved the traditional Italian lunch that followed. Highly recommend

Small but very nice museum about the process of the pasta and its many varieties. Nice to see what those molds look like for those different types of pasta. You can also enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant.

Small but very particular and detailed museum. Also valid is the sale of Parmesan cheese made by their dairy as there are forms aged up to 55 months.

Really a cool trip with great local guides from the various local producers.

Excellent tasting to spend a different Sunday lunch than usual