Parma 2020 +21 is the big bill that the Farnese city is planning for its year as the Italian Capital of Culture.

Culture that is breathed in the streets, in the museums, in the theaters, in the libraries but also in the schools and homes of the people of Parma, who have decided, in large numbers, to become ambassadors of their city for this great event. What to see in Parma?

In case there was a need, here are 20 reasons to love and come and visit Parma:

The Pilotta complex and the Farnese Theater

The imposing palace - symbol of the ducal power of the Farnese family - houses the precious masterpieces of the National Gallery of Parma, the ancient artifacts of the National Archaeological Museum, the historic volumes of the Palatine Library and the Farnese Theater, a spectacular environment that still retains the memory of the sumptuous court life of the Farnese Dukes.

The Teatro Regio

Originally the New Ducal Theater, it is the temple of music that frightens even the great artists wanted by the Duchess Maria Luigia of Habsburg-Lorraine, wife of Napoleon, inaugurated after only 8 years of work.

The types of Giambattista Bodoni

That is the first examples of modern (typographic) characters, the Bodoni, created by the Piedmontese typographer by birth but Parma by adoption, to whom the ducal city has also dedicated a museum.

The Abbey of Valserena

An example of Cistercian culture, built by the Benedictines, it inspired Stendhal for his novel La Certosa di Parma and today houses the Csac - Study Center and Communication Archive.

The Scapiliata by Leonardo da Vinci

A work on which art historians agree in defining a unicum in the Master's corpus. After the loan to the Louvre for the exhibition that celebrates the 500th anniversary of the death of the genius of Vinci, it will be able to return to be admired in the Pinacoteca from March, thus completing the #inEmiliaRomagna itinerary in the footsteps of Leonardo.

Correggio and Parmigianino

In other words, two local artists who have become international: to admire them, a visit to the Duomo (dome frescoed by Correggio) and to the Castle of Fontanellato (room of Diana and Atteone frescoed by Parmigianino) is recommended.

The Duomo and the Baptistery

For 900 years, the Cathedral has been a place of art, history and sacredness with evidence of Romanesque art, while the Baptistery is a symbol of the transition from late Romanesque to Gothic.

The Royal Palace of Colorno and the ALMA school

Or the Versailles of the Dukes of Parma, where you can be entranced to discover the palace or get lost in the fragrant historical garden; the building is now also home to ALMA - International School of Italian Cuisine.

Giuseppe Verdi and Busseto

The Busseto swan has an indissoluble bond with his land, where it can be discovered, known and appreciated.

Parma Ham PDO

The king of cured meats, one of the 44 regional PDOs and PGIs, preserves the wisdom and craftsmanship refined over time with care and passion.

The cruise of the Vecchio hospital

Originally one of the oldest hospitals in Italy, it is a precious place for the city now transformed into a cultural gallery: one more reason to visit the Oltretorrente.

The Parmesan cuisine

It is known throughout the world thanks to the well-known Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, so much so that it is recognized as a UNESCO City for Gastronomic Creativity. All that remains is to taste its traditional recipes!

Parmigiano Reggiano DOP

To discover the King of cheeses, you just need to get up early to take part in a ritual, which has been repeated in the Emilian dairies every day for nine centuries.

The Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

Over 30 castles, fortresses, fortresses, palaces and manors for a journey through time from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, from the Baroque seventeenth century to the Enlightenment, from the romantic nineteenth century to the Belle Epoque up to the twentieth century.

Bernardo Bertolucci

Among the most representative and internationally known Italian directors, he was born in this land from which he drew inspiration for many of his masterpieces that the most interested cinephiles will be able to appreciate by following the itinerary dedicated to him.

Giovannino Guareschi

A man with a strong character and closely linked to his territory who, starting from his small world in the Bassa, has reached the great globalized world, given that one of the best-selling Italian authors and by far the most translated (142 languages).

The Park and the Doge's Palace

Another precious ducal corner of the city, with a park "inhabited" by centuries-old trees that protect the Doge's Palace, which can only be visited on the occasion of extraordinary openings.

Arturo Toscanini

To find out more about the famous conductor who came from Parma all over the world, just go to Oltretorrente and visit the Maestro's House and Museum.

The Culatello di Zibello DOP

To taste this royal salami - not surprisingly also appreciated by Prince Charles of Wales - just go along the Po river, where, thanks to the cold-humid climate in winter and hot in summer, the maturation is refined.

Appennino Tosco Emiliano National Park

A park with a wild heart that is also a MAB Reserve, between the Tuscan sea and the plain of Emilia, with a rich biodiversity, to be discovered in all seasons with boots, snowshoes, bicycles or on horseback.