'As a capital city it had to have a river. As a little capital, it received a stream, which is often dry. These words by the great Italian poet Attilio Bertolucci were used to describe the city of Parma.
The Land of Renaissance
Parma is best known for its contributions to the world of delicious foods and flavors, especially the parmigiano cheese and the famous prosciutto (ham). This beautiful city is situated in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, and a favorite get-away for opera lovers ever since the days of Verdi. This place has a lot of historical and cultural significance, and houses some fine architectural marvels form the 11-century. Most of these buildings were the starting point of the time that we called the Romanesque and Gothic eras.
This city is not only famous for the arts and architecture, but also has a fine gastronomical tradition, and is known for inventing some of the best stuffed pasta recipes we have today. Parma hotels are highly hospitable and welcoming and they offer some great amenities for travelers to take advantage of. Hotels in Parma range from 2.5 to 5 stars in rating and will have everything that could ask for.
Save on the Hotel - Spend on Experiences
There are many cheap hotels in Parma to cater to budget travelers as well, even though, Italy is not the place to visit on a small budget. Among some of the best cheap hotels are the Best Western Hotel, Romeo e Giulietta, Century Hotel and the Albergo IL Gufo. If you would rather choose another place, look for hotels in Parma offering discounts to travelers online to find a bargain.
When In Italy...
If you have enough to spend on some luxury, there are some great options available at your disposal when it comes to Parma hotels. You will be able to find some of the largest hotel chains functioning in this region, along with a handful of local ones, so there will be enough variety. Among some of the best hotels for your stay in Parma is the Hotel San Marco & Formula Club, NH Parma, Mercure Parma Stendhal, or the Park Hotel Pacchiosi.
Exploring the Arts and Culture of Parma
One of the largest tourist attraction in the city is the Parma Cathedral, which is a Romanesque church housing a 12-century sculpture and a 16th century fresco by the great artists Benedetto Antelami, and Antonio de Correggio, respectively. Another great place to visit is the Baptistery, which was another work of Antelami. You can navigate through the scenic streets to explore the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata, or the Palazzo della Pilotta, which is full of galleries, libraries, theatres, schools and museums. Lastly, one of our favorite places to visit in Parma is the Bishop's Palace, which is a marvelously architecture building that has a charming effect on the onlookers. You will find a long list of historical sites in this city to visit and soak up all the culture and grandeur, so make sure you are ready for the intellectual thrill.
FAQs about hotels in Parma