Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The adjoining monastery is known as much for the oils and unguents that its monks
produce as for its Renaissance cloisters. Upstairs, a library is adorned with huge old maps
that hang from the walls of a musty reading room.
MUSEUM
Palazzo della Pilotta
(Piazza della Pilotta)
Looming over Piazza della Pace's manicured lawns and modern foun-
tains, this monumental palace is hard to miss. Supposedly named after the Spanish ball
game of
pelota
that was once played within its walls, it was originally built for the
Farnese family between 1583 and 1622. Heavily bombed in WWII, it has since been
largely rebuilt and today houses several museums.
duced incl Teatro Farnese €6/3; 8.30am-1.30pm Tue-Sun)
, displays Parma's main art collection.
Alongside works by local artists Correggio and Parmigianino, you'll find paintings by Fra
Angelico, El Greco and a piece attributed to da Vinci. Before you get to the gallery, you'll
15; adult/child €2.00/free; 8:30am-2pm Tue-Sun)
, a copy of Andrea Palladio's Teatro
Olimpico in Vicenza. Constructed entirely out of wood, it was almost completely rebuilt
after being bombed in WWII.
0521 23 37 18; admission €4; 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 12.30-7.30pm Sat & Sun)
exhibits Roman arte-
facts discovered around Parma and Etruscan finds from the Po valley.
Piazza Garibaldi
On the site of the ancient Roman forum, Piazza Garibaldi is Parma's cobbled hub bisected
by the city's main east-west artery, Via Mazzini, and its continuation, Strada della Repub-
blica. On the square's north side, the facade of the 17th-century
Palazzo del Governatore
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, these days municipal offices, sports a giant sundial, added in
1829.
(Piazza Steccata 9; 9am-noon & 3-6pm)
, you'll find some of Parmigianino's most ex-
traordinary work, notably the stunning, if rather faded, frescoes on the arches above the
altar. Many members of the ruling Farnese and Bourbon families lie buried here.
PIAZZA
