All About Parma
The Apennines
 The
Apennine mountains, in the province of Parma offer wonderful panoramas,
pristine landscapes, oak, beech and chestnut woods, pure mountain springs,
clean air and glacial lakes. The mountains are undoubtedly one of the
determining factors in the great variety of landscape found in the province.
If you are considering a second home or wish to move permanently to Italy,
the province of Parma offers a wide range of possibilities. You will find
yourself living in contact with nature in a landscape of outstanding natural
beauty and will be able to take advantage of numerous activities too;
the green, wooded countryside can be explored following any one of the
numerous splendid itineraries on mountain bike or horseback or take delightful
walks to discover picturesque, lively villages. The province is ideally
suited for excursions and trekking, the mountain crest, reaching its maximum
altitude of 1861 m on Mt Sillara, is covered by the Apennine excursion
route, a network of paths which include approximately 110 itineraries.
You can also climb the highest mountains of the province. The most popular
destinations are undoubtedly Lago Santo Parmense (1581 m), the largest
natural lake in the Apennines of Emilia Romagna and Lagoni (1399 m) with
its many pathways leading to the mountain ridges and to other lakes in
the Apennines. The waters act as vast mirrors on the mountains: Lago Santo,
Dei Lagoni, Laghi Gemini in Val Parma and Lago Ballano in Val Cedra are
just some of the twenty lakes to be found within a small area of the mountains.
Castles and Villages
However, there is not only nature available. The Parmense Apennines are
a great destination not only for nature lovers all year round and skiers
in the winter, it is also possible to follow the ‘Castles Trail’.
At every strategic point of the province, a castle or fortress was constructed
and today over 100 of these remain to be admired and marvelled at. One
supreme example of Parmense castle building is Torrechiara, (Clear Tower)
which dominates the Val Parma and was built by the Rossi family between
1448 and 1460. Yet the castles served not only as a means of securing
their demesne but also as centres of art and culture and during the renaissance
were home to the most famous and accomplished poets, musicians and painters
of the time. Although time has had a detrimental effect on many, the legacy
of art, history and political intrigue remains to this day in the atmosphere
of these important historical monuments. The most spectacular castle is
arguably at Bardi, it dominates the entire valley, welcoming the visitor
to its magic atmosphere and makes you feel that you have stepped back
in time.
Discover the medieval villages and fortresses which still retain the
features of the settlements where the castles are found. From Varsi to
Bardi, from Borgotaro to Compiano and Bedonia, from Corniglio to Monchio
delle Corti, there is a wealth of villages offering glimpses of how life
was led many hundreds of years ago.
Parma Town
Parma has the highest standard of living in Italy, an affluent town even
by Emilia Romagna's elevated standards. Parma was originally a Roman town
built around 183 BC which has since been an important commercial hub of
Italy. Parma is a city rich in culture, art, tradition and history. The
heart of the city is Piazza Garibaldi, which stands on the site of the
former Roman court. From here the historical centre develops, the area
brims over with beautiful palaces, shops and elegant bars. The Cathedral,
located in Piazza Duomo, was built in the 11th century on the ruins of
an earlier structure, is a renowned example of the Romanesque style in
the Po valley, with a cupola painted by the artist Correggio in the sixteenth
century. also located in Piazza Duomo is the ancient Battistero, an octagonal
structure made of pink marble, an expression of the transition to the
Gothic style. Other important parts of Parma include the Old San Giovanni
Pharmacy, Chiesa della Steccata, the Camera di San Paolo, Palazzo Ducale
and Park, the incredibly beautiful Teatro Regio, the Pilotta and many
other sites. Parma is also home to a university dating back to the ninth
century, now with about 20,000 students.
While it is an urban centre, Parma is also surrounded by beautiful nature,
with nearby green hills, fertile countryside, seasonal flowers and plentiful
vineyards, as well as the Parma River that divides the city in half.
Famous for its fine cuisine (and known to some as "food valley"),
Parma specializes in two foods: Parmigianno-Reggiano formaggio (cheese),
and prosciutto (ham). Both delicacies are revered and consumed on a national
level.
In addition to the cuisine, Parma takes great pride in its people. Throughout
history, many famous people have had their roots and work in this city:
artists Correggio, Parmigianino and Paolo Toschi, film director Bernardo
Bertolucci, and Giuseppe Verdi and Arturo Toscanini in music.
Skiing
Pratospilla
m 1,303-m 1,800
 Located
in the region of the Parmense Apennines the ski facilities of Pratospilla
are the highest and steepest in the area. The resort is located in an
area of great natural beauty inside the Cento Laghi Park which can boast
the lakes of the upper Cedra and Enza Valleys.
There are breathtaking views of the sea from Mount Bocco. The resort
has a range of facilities and slopes of varying levels of difficulty.
Skiers can rent the necessary equipment for downhill skiing. The town
of Pratospilla is linked to the town of Parma along the Massese state
road through Langhirano-Rigoso or by taking the Genova-Leghorn motorway
and exiting at Aulla. The resort can also be reached from Parma, Aulla
and La Spezia by coach.
Lagdei Lago Santo
m 1,257 - m 1,525
Set in the lovely Cento Laghi Park the resort of Lagdei Lago Santo is
famous for its wonderful natural setting. A cable-lift makes it possible
to visit the Lago Santo, the largest natural lake in the Emilian Apennine
range. There is also a comfortable refuge where visitors can rest. As
far as winter sports are concerned as well as down-hill skiing visitors
can enjoy cross-country skiing and down-hill skiing.
To reach the resort take the state road for Langhirano Corniglio from
Parma then turn left for Bosco di Corniglio; or take the Cisa motorway
and exit at Berceto. There is also a coach service directly from Parma.
Ski Lifts: one ski-lift; one baby cable lift Capacity: 1,340 skiers an
hour
Ski Runs: one slope (about 1 km)
Cross-country Skiing: four rings (20 km)
There is a refuge on the Lago Santo Lake
Schia
m 1,200 - m 1,500
The resort of Schia is set on the slopes of Mount Caio an isolated mountain
in the Parmense Apennines. Schia is part of the municipality of Tizzano
Val Parma and its good range of slopes are ideal for down-hill skiing.
There are also cross-country ski runs. To reach Schia take the SS Langhirano-Tizzano
from Parma. There are also coach services from Parma.
Ski Lifts: seven cable-lifts Capacity: 5,500 skiers an hour
Ski Runs: thirteen (25 km)
Cross-country Skiing: one ring (2 km)
Cross-country and Ski School
Golf
Salsomaggiore Golf & Country Club. Inaugurated in 1992, the Salsomaggiore
Golf & Country Club is surrounded by 70 hectares of park and garden,
at 360 metres above sea level on the hills that surround the spa city
of Salsomaggiore.
Via Case Carancini 105 - Frazione Contignaco
43039 Salsomaggiore Terme - Parma - Italy
Tel.: +39-0524.574.128 Fax: +39-0524.578.649
E-mail: info@salsomaggioregolfclub.com
Web site: www.salsomaggioregolfclub.com
La Rocca Golf Club is located Terme di Bacedasco park.
Established in 1985, La Rocca Golf Club sits on the hills that dominate
Parma’s plain, close to the ducal village of Sala Baganza. This
is a technical and moderately difficult course set amidst oak and acacia
woods and artificial lakes. The course, 18 holes, par 71, covers 6,076
metres. In the surrounding area, in addition to Parma’s monuments
and museums that are only 13 km away, there are a number of interesting
places such as Torrechiara Castle, Fontanellato, Colorno, Soragna and
Canossa fortresses. The neighbouring Boschi di Carrega Regional Park boasts
a huge variety of flora and fauna in 1,000 hectares of woods and glades.
There's golf, art, history, ecology and excellent Parmense cuisine in
the ancient "Casinetto", which is now the club restaurant.
Via Campi 8
43038 Sala Baganza - Parma - Italy
Tel.: +39-0521.834.037 Fax: +39-0521.834.575
E-mail: laroccagolfl@libero.it
Web site: www.emiliaromagnagolf corn
Castell'Arquato Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course open all year round
Terme di Bacedasco
29014 Castell'Arquato (PC)
Tel. 0523-895557
Fax 0523-895544
Spa Resorts
The Province of Parma offers a wide range of spas and thermal treatment
centres, thanks to the abundance of waters rich in minerals, which have
been exploited since ancient times: the thermal system in the Province
of Parma is one of the most complete in Europe, and offers excellent services
and facilities as well as outstanding accommodation.
Today, the spas at Salsomaggiore, at Tabiano, at Sant’Andrea Bagni
and at Monticelli combine thermal treatment with wellness facilities,
presented as the cutting edge of spa treatment: the location is in the
green hills, in peaceful oases which provide the opportunity to relax
but also to take part in cultural and social events, admire historical
and artistic sites, and take interesting excursions in the vicinities
Food and wine
Nature, culture, history and … wine and food. The Parma area is
truly at the forefront of Italian cuisine. The variety is exceptional
with dishes based on porcini mushroom, local hams and salami, meat and
vegetable sauces, homemade mountain bread, pies with spinach and potatoes,
dishes with chestnuts and wild berries and pasta liberally sprinkled with
the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese all await you.
Festivals
The Parma Prosciutto Festival is held in September.
Palio di Parma
The Palio de Parma, originating in 1314, is a mid-September medieval tournament
and festival which comes highly recommended. Races, historic processions,
flag bearer competitions make the day extremely colourful and exciting.
Busseto Carnevale
Busseto, in the Province of Parma and the city where Giuseppe Verdi was
born, holds a large carnival festival in February with much to do about
Verdi and local food tasting: Culatello di Zibello, Parmigiano Reggiano,
Prosciutto di Parma and the sweet cake called "Spongata" are
just some of the delicacies you can try.
Getting there
Parma is situated in Emilia Romagna, a region of northern Italy. It is
in a central geographical position, on the west-east axis of the via Emilia,
as well as the north-south route from the Po River valley to Liguria and
Tuscany. The city is easily-accessible, located halfway between Milan
and Florence, both about two hours away by train or car. If you are driving
from Milan (110 km) or Florence (196 km) take the A1 motorway and exit
at Parma. The nearest airports to Parma are Milan or Bologna (90 km) although
Ryan air are due to begin flying into Parma this year. Rome is 498 km,
Genova 195 km and Venice is 211 km from Parma.
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Why
choose Parma?
