Parma – famous ham and cheese, Italy
The small town of Parma can be found between Bologna and Milan. Over the past few years, the town of Parma has become a popular tourist destination. Thousands of people make their way to this quaint town that is credited with the creation of the world famous parmesan cheese. The town itself dates back to the Etruscans period. By the 2nd century B.C., the area would fall under Roman control.
Parma Baptisterium, Italy by Philip Schäfer
Up until the middle ages, the town of Parma was regularly attacked, plundered and destroyed. There were many such occasions in which the entire town was rebuilt from the ground up. However, there are still a number of beautiful sites in this small Italian town that dates back to the 11th century. The most famous attraction in Parma is a pink marble tower which can be found in the town’s center. Taking more than 60 years to construct, the Parma Baptisterium has become a symbol of the city. Shortly after its completion, the tower had been damaged by an earthquake requiring it to be rebuilt.
Anyone who visits Parma will have to make their way over to the Teatro Regio which is the city’s own opera house. Arturo Toscanini, the famous conductor was born in Parma and the Theater is now a museum which is dedicated to the life and genius of Toscanini.
Of course we would not have parmesan cheese if it were not for the town of Parma. The town is also known for its special ham recipes too. Today, Parma stands as the European Association for Food Safety’s official home. One cannot go to Parma without trying the many local delicacies which are world renowned. While the town may not have a lot in architectural attractions, the cheese and hams of Parma are an attraction in their own right.