Parma: Widespread museum of Taste

Food as culture: a historical-artistic tour in Parma.

In the provinces of Parma and the neighboring areas of Reggio Emilia and Modena, the country’s largest production of traditional cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, pasta, and preserved vegetables is concentrated today.
However, Parma, by long-standing tradition, is the center and undisputed “capital” of this territory—sometimes referred to as the “Food Valley”—thanks to its world-class gastronomic excellence.

Confirming this strong vocation, in 2003 Parma was chosen as the seat of the EFSA, and in 2015 it was designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy” by the UNESCO.

Such a deep-rooted food culture has left an indelible mark not only on gastronomy but also on the art and culture of the region.

Curious visitors wishing to follow this culinary “fil rouge” through the world of art can begin their journey in the city’s main square.

Stops:

1. Piazza Grande and the Portici del Grano
2. The districts behind the Town Hall and the salt customs
3. Palazzo dei Beccaj and the ancient Sant’Ambrogio
4. Old Fish Market and Piazzale della Macina
5. Via Cavour, formerly Via Nuova dei Beccaj
6. Bran, flour, fruit and vegetables / Borgo Ronchini
7. Borgo del Salame and Borgo Bondiola
8. The Cathedral and pig slaughtering traditions
9. The Baptistery and traditional trades
10. The ancient Apothecary of San Giovanni
11. The refectory of the nuns of San Paolo
12. At the table of Maria Luigia / Museo Glauco Lombardi
13. Pilotta – Archaeological Museum: the Trajan food tablet
14. Pilotta – Palatine Library: dishes for the duke’s banquet
15. Pilotta – National Gallery: the ambassador’s banquet display
16. Borgo delle Cucine
17. Piazza Ghiaia and farmers’ markets
18. Piazzale San Bartolomeo and the abbot’s markets
19. Esoteric foods above the altar / Santa Maria della Steccata
20. Golden wheat in the Bocchi Hall of the Savings Bank
21. Milk and tomatoes in the De Strobel Hall (former Chamber of Commerce council hall)
22. Notes… of taste / Arrigo Boito Conservatory of Music
23. Palazzo Bossi Bocchi and tableware from the Renaissance to the Baroque
24. Strada dei Genovesi and the Parma lard artisans

Useful information:

The route is free, but entry to some suggested museums requires an entrance ticket.

To start the journey, simply scan the QR code of the first totem you encounter, enter your details, which are essential to recognize you at the various stops, and then scan each time the QR code of the totems at the individual stops.

The 16th-century painter, Francesco Mazzola, known as Parmigianino, will guide you through art, history, curiosities, and flavors.

If you follow the route for more than 3 stops, you can get a discount on a tasting at a typical city venue.

If you follow the route for more than 5 stops, you can download free entrance to one of the Food Museums in the area.

At the IAT Parma Welcome – on Strada Garibaldi 18, open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM – the map of the route is available for free.

For more information: www.museidelcibo.it