Cortile di san Pietro del Palazzo della PilottaPalazzo della Pilotta
1. The origin of the "Pilotta" Palace name
Simply called Pilotta, its name derives from the noble game of Basque “pelota”, played in the large internal courtyards of the palace by Spanish soldiers. A monumental complex, consisting of several buildings, the Palazzo della Pilotta was built starting from the second half of the 16th century and was originally conceived to contain all the services of the Farnese court.
The Labyrinth seen from above (2011-2015) by Franco Maria Ricci, Pier Carlo Bontempi, Davide DuttoLabirinto della Masone
2. The largest maze in existence
Also known as Franco Maria Ricci's Labyrinth, the Masone Labyrinth is located near Fontanellato, in the province of Parma. Compared to all the other labyrinths in the world it has a particularity that distinguishes it: it is made up entirely of bamboo plants. Ricci, as a great enthusiast, had more than 200,000 plants planted and many different species, from small ones to giant ones that even reach 15 meters in height, belonging to twenty different species.
Toscanini (1950-05-05) by Joe ScherschelLIFE Photo Collection
3. Arturo Toscanini was born in Parma
Growing up in a house by the river, he immediately showed a great predisposition for music, he studied harmony, composition and cello, graduating with honors. In 1886 he leaves for a tour in Brazil as a cellist but suddenly finds himself having to replace the orchestra conductor and conducts the Aida from memory, he is not yet 19 years old. This is the beginning of a career that will have no equal.
Portale sud del Battistero: il portale del Battista.Fabbriceria della Cattedrale
4. The devil's footprint
The Baptistery of Parma, as well as being a place of worship, is a real treasure trove of symbols and references to Christian iconography. Its octagonal shape stands for eternity: the transition from earthly life (square shape) to the afterlife represented by the circle. The lower level of the Baptistery is decorated with the tiles of Antelami, a sort of medieval bestiary featuring real and fantastic animals, mythological creatures and monsters.
Tap to explore
But there’s another curious feature: in an area of the wall where the sun almost never beats, you can see the sign of a kick, a footprint. Legend has it that the devil had learned about the creation of a building of extraordinary beauty and once there, realizing his splendor, full of anger he tried to destroy it with a kick. He failed, only managing to scratch it and leaving his mark, still visible today.
VioletteSistema Museale Università di Parma
5. Parma violet flowers
Marie Louise of Habsburg is undoubtedly the reason for Parma's violets. Duchess of Parma and Piacenza from 1816 to 1847, she arrived in Parma in 1816 and wanted to personally take care of the flowers' cultivation. She was in love with them for their elegance and their extremely delicate perfume and with equal grace he wanted to take care of it.
Parma - San Francesco del Prato by Parma Municipality
6. San Francesco del Prato
Daring architectural lines and for a singular historical parable: the Gothic church was probably built starting from 1240, the first seat of the Franciscans in the city. In 1804, French military troops occupied the building, driving out the community of Franciscan friars. The surrounding walls were raised and transformed into observation posts, the central nave was used as a laboratory, while the central aisles were lofted to make way for the cells and services of inmates and guards, the building was gradually transformed into a prison.
Tap to explore
The convent was used as a prison until 1992. An extraordinary restoration work is bringing to light the building in all its beauty and originality with the discovery of wonderful frescoes and hidden works, recounting the historical evolution of the Church.
Typographical Manual (1818) by Giambattista BodoniLabirinto della Masone
7. Giambattista Bodoni worked in Parma
He was called to Parma in 1768 by the minister Guglielmo Du Tillot to entrust him with the direction of the Royal Printing House in which he worked for the rest of his life. In Parma, he realized his great dream, namely that of producing elegant and exclusive volumes with harmonious letters by expressly devising a considerable amount of exotic Latin and Greek characters in different formats, with friezes and frames. The “Bodoni” font is the classic example of a modern graceful font and is distinguished by the contrast between thick and thin line
Parma - UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy by Parma Municipality
8. Parma is the UNESCO City of Gastronomy
With the largest number of typical products protected by quality brands including Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Culatello di Zibello, Mushroom di Borgotaro, Coppa di Parma, wines Colli di Parma, a paradise for the palate that has earned Parma the title of "UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy"
LIFE Photo Collection
9. Giuseppe Verdi and his relationship with Parma
Verdi was born in Busseto, in the province of Parma. Every year, in October the Verdi Festival takes place and attracts audiences from all over the world to Parma: a way to pay homage to the great composer and to keep alive the love that Parma has for music and for opera in particular. It is 1843, Giuseppe Verdi is in Parma, the curtain rises at the Teatro Regio and the notes of Nabucodonosor (Nabucco) start, this is the successful debut of the great composer.
Parma - Old Hospital by Parma Municipality
10. The old hospital
Is one of the oldest hospitals in Italy, with a complex history of vicissitudes intertwined with the political, social and religious events of the city. Its origin dates back to the 13th century where a building located in the adjacent neighborhood was used for the sick. Around 1250, a new hospital for foundlings was built. On the ruins of this building, of which no traces remain, started the first nucleus of the building we see today began in the second half of the 15th century. At the beginning of the 16th century the building can be considered completed both outside and inside and consists of a cross-shaped infirmary system; it extends along the façade with the arcades of the portico, from west to east and encloses the cloister.
Tap to explore
The portico is a common characteristic element of the facades of many Renaissance hospitals and represents the mediation between private and social space, overlooking the most important urban and territorial axis, the Strada Maestra di Santa Croce (now via D'Azeglio), a city of via Emilia. The Old Hospital complex is the subject of an important architectural recovery and redevelopment.
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.