In the collective imagination and from the tourist’s perspective, Parma is associated with opera, excellent cuisine and its world famous and truly excellent local delicacies: a “mini-capital” where life is lived well
But there is more: the Food Valley, or Val Parma, along the 90 km of river, winding from the Apennines to the Po valley, offers a whole new world of flavour and landscapes to explore.
But there is more: in the Food Valley called Val Parma, along the 90 km of river going from the Apennines’ ridge to the Po valley, you can discover new flavours and different landscapes.
PDO Parmigiano-Reggiano, PDO Prosciutto di Parma, PGI Salame Felino and Vini dei Colli are the jewels in the crown, with culinary delights nestled in every valley and village, sometimes rooted in centuries-old local history.
The valleys are still alive with their history, dotted with beautiful castles, churches and parishes, historical villages and ancient farmsteads.
The link with local products is reinforced by the presence of five food museums: the Museo del Prosciutto di Parma in Langhirano, the Musei del Pomodoro e della Pasta in Collecchio, the Museo del Salame in Felino and the Museo del Vino in Sala Baganza.
This is a land steeped in heritage to be preserved for posterity. Nature is protected on several levels. The National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines protects the ridge’s peaks, the Regional Park of Cento Laghi protects the mid-mountains, the Boschi di Carrega Park protects the forests of the plains, the Taro Park protects the ecosystem of the river’s central course. These parks can be enjoyed in a host of ways, from hiking to outdoor sports.
Protecting nature in this way keeps us connected with the whole world through the MAB (Man and Biosphere) UNESCO Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Reserve.
In the agricultural landscape of the plains, we can still see evidence of ancient centuriation, or the Roman grid system. The rocky ridges and glacial lakes, the regular rows of vines, the fragrance of freshly cut grass, moss or mushrooms in the undergrowth, the wood burning in the fireplaces, the sound of tractors or dry leaves underfoot: everything here invites you to stop, slow down and really live
