The Palazzo Ducale di Parma is an elegant 16th-century palace located within the lush Parco Ducale, just across the river from Parma’s historic center. Once the residence of the Farnese and Bourbon dukes, it features refined Baroque architecture and beautifully decorated interiors, though today it houses government offices and is not open to the public. Its majestic façade and peaceful park setting make it a lovely sight for a stroll while exploring Parma’s noble past.
About the Region:
Emilia-Romagna is a region that offers Italy at its most authentic and delicious. Often overlooked for Tuscany or Venice, this northern Italian gem is where culinary traditions, rich history, and vibrant cities come together in a way that feels deeply local and wonderfully welcoming.
Food is the top reason to visit. Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of many Italian staples: fresh egg pasta like tagliatelle al ragù (known abroad as Bolognese), mortadella from Bologna, prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Touring a parmesan factory at dawn or watching prosciutto being cured in Parma is a pilgrimage for any food lover.
Beyond its cuisine, Emilia-Romagna is full of cultural treasures. Bologna’s medieval towers, endless porticoes, and lively university atmosphere create a city buzzing with students, markets, and aperitivo bars. Modena tempts with its balsamic vinegar, Ferrari Museum, and the world-renowned Osteria Francescana. Ravenna’s dazzling Byzantine mosaics are unlike anything else in Italy, telling ancient stories in jewel-toned tiles.
The region also offers relaxing Adriatic beaches in Rimini, elegant thermal spas in towns like Salsomaggiore, and rolling hills dotted with castles in Romagna’s countryside.
What makes Emilia-Romagna unforgettable is its combination of authenticity and warmth. Locals take pride in their traditions but welcome you with genuine hospitality. Whether you’re tasting tortellini in broth, admiring centuries-old mosaics, or simply sipping a cappuccino under Bologna’s porticoes, Emilia-Romagna will make you feel like you’ve discovered Italy’s true heart.