Monumental Summer Tour to Parma

After a good rest and an energetic breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Pallavicino Castle of Varano De 'Melegari. This fabulous building stands on a rock, in a strategic position for the control of the valley of the Ceno.
Today it is managed by the Cultural Association Oltre Lo Specchio, and can be visited through guided tours that retrace its history and rooms, as well as the garden and courtyard.
You can visit the ancient keep at the base of which are the Bentivoglio prison, the 15th century wing, the weapons room, the patrol corridors, the terrace, the kitchens, the 18th century staircase, the study and the magnificent Hall of Honor.
On special occasions, the basement of the fortress is also open to the public. Although it is normally only open on Sundays, there are many activities both day and night.
The first pass starts at 10:30, it is interesting to adjust your arrival time, so you don't have to wait for another turn.
Before you go check the castle website for information.

You can start your visit to the medieval town of Fidenza from Piazza del Duomo, to continue through the center and reach the tower known as Porta S. Donnino.
Visiting the interior of the cathedral is quite interesting: its frescoes and the crypt where the relics of San Donnino, patron saint of the town, are kept.
You can walk through historical vestiges of the past as if you were transported back to medieval times.
The gastronomy is different from other towns where the typical pasta and pizza reigns. Here you can find establishments where you can eat spoon dishes and drink good wine.

This restaurant La Buca dei Diavoli is not just a pizzeria, it has a wide variety of different and original dishes with seasonal specialties that will leave you wanting to come back.
Highly recommended in this place is the pasta with frutti di mare and their homemade desserts.
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 15:00, 19:00 - 22:00 Sunday: 07:00 - 12:00 Tuesday: closed

It is advisable to park in a parking lot like this one as the center of Parma is best enjoyed on foot.

The Baptistery, separate from the cathedral, is an imposing octagonal building made of pink Verona marble.
Before leaving, since Parma is known as the Creative City of Gastronomy according to Unesco, be sure to try the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma, not to mention a generous selection of cured meats and pasta washed down with good wine from the Reggio Emilia area.
Piazza del Duomo is the medieval center of the city. The Duomo, the Episcopal Palace and the Episcopal Museum are also located here.
The visit to the Cathedral is free of charge.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a Romanesque building with more than 900 years of history.
The frescoes of the Assumption of the Virgin that decorate the so-called dome of Correggio will make you can not look away from that imposing scene for its beauty and luminosity.
Another curiosity to see there is the ancient episcopal chair made of marble, adorned with scenes from the scriptures and strange figures carved in the same stone.
Open daily from 10:00 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 18:00. Admission is free.
You can get more information at the Cathedral website.

The monumental complex of the Palazzo della Pilotta is a very curious site, so called because the Spanish soldiers who guarded it played ball in the courtyard.
The architectural ensemble consists of several buildings: Theater, Library, Gallery, Museum... and you can visit it completely for 12€.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - 18:30 Monday: closed

In the center of the city of Parma is this green lung, which is actually a military fortress in the shape of a pentagon with its walls and its imposing moat.
Its construction dates back to the end of the 16th century. As a curiosity, it is very similar to "La Ciudadela" of Jaca, in the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain, despite the distance between the two, the resemblance is significant.

After this nice walk in Parma, you have to go back to the parking lot to resume the route by car, and think of a good place for dinner.

Want to eat something different? Perfect, that's what you can do here. This restaurant specializes in fish, unlike most in the area, which are more based on pasta and meat recipes.
All its cuisine is made with care and professionalism, to the point that you may leave with the feeling of having been at sea.
On their Facebook you have all the updated information. You can call to book a table: +39 0521 800578
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 14:30, 19:00 - 23:30

After dinner, you can head to the Grand Hotel.
Being located in the heart of the city of Parma, from the Hotel de la Ville, which is an outstanding place to stay - a luxury accommodation at a reasonable price - you can stroll around the city and discover its charms until sleep calls for the end of the day.