Italy: This elegant city is the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved cheeses

Laura Itzkowitz

Rome: Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the world’s most famous and beloved cheeses, yet its birthplace is rarely one of the first places that people think of when planning a trip to Italy. What a shame. Despite living in Rome for five years and visiting Italy dozens of times before that, it took me years to get to Parma, but when I finally did, I realised what an incredible place I’d been missing. Located in Emilia-Romagna, about an hour from Bologna, Parma is at the heart of Italy’s Food Valley. In fact, it’s recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City for Gastronomy.

Parma traces its roots back to ancient Rome, but it entered a golden age when it became part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1545. Under the Farnese dukes, the city became wealthy and powerful. Renaissance painters like Correggio and Parmigianino left their mark, decorating palaces and churches that are still must-visit spots today.

On a recent visit to Parma, I was enchanted by the city’s elegant piazzas and streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It regularly ranks among Italy’s most livable cities, according to an annual survey by Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. Compared to crowded cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, Parma feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s still relatively under-the-radar, so you can really live like a local and experience a place full of art and culture that’s not overrun by tourists.

To learn more, I reached out to local expert Micol Brianti, who was born and raised in Parma and manages a portfolio of holiday homes called Michilab. Read on to discover why Parma made our list of the best cities to visit in Italy, and what you need to know to plan a trip.