History

In many ways, Parma today still has the appearance of a small capital, as it was, in fact, for a number of centuries. It is a feeling one gets walking around its streets and piazzas, visiting its landmarks or observing its elegant lifestyle. It is something that has been handed down from its history-rich past as capital of the duchies of the Farnese family, the Bourbons and Maria Luigia of Austria, second wife of Napoleon, as well as from its rich cultural heritage, still kept alive today by its University, cultural organizations and the great musical tradition of its people. In fact, let us not forget we are in the home of Giuseppe Verdi and that the Teatro Regio in Parma boasts a public among the most competent but also among the most critical and demanding in the musical field. Its economic and industrial potential in various sectors is enormous, most evident in the food sector, matching the rich tradition of the local products of the territory and the province, from its famous salami and cured/cold pork meats and Parma ham, to dairy products and the renowned Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese).

Parma, founded in 183 BC by the Romans led by triumvir Marco Emilio Lepido, was already an important town in the days of the Roman Empire thanks to its strategically-important location along the Via Emilia. In the Byzantine period it was called Crisopoli and was later conquered by the Longobards. During this period new roads and the Parma stretch of the Via Francigena (also known as the Monte Bardone route) were built. It became a city-republic in 1106 and the Cathedral and Baptistry were built in this period. The fall of the city-republics and in-fighting between the more powerful families led to the period of the "signorie" who controlled the city and the territory of today's province as feudal dominions, rich with land and castles. These continued for centuries and in some cases into the present day.

In 1545 Parma became the capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, ruled by the Farnese family. In this period important landmarks were built such as the Palazzo della Pilotta, S. Giovanni Evangelista, Madonna della Steccata, and flourishing painting schools were founded, most notably those of Correggio and Parmigianino. In the second half of the 1700s with the Bourbon reign, there was a second period of flourishing artistic and cultural activity with a considerable French influence. This, together with the subsequent passing of the duchy in 1816 to Maria Luigia of Austria, wife of Napoleon, are the source of the city's elegant and noble appearance. On the duchess's death, the duchy reverted to the Bourbons, but almost immediately became part of the provinces of Carlo Farini's Emilia. In 1860 it was finally annexed by plebiscite to Piedmont and consequently to the Kingdom of Italy.
Ph: © Carra Photographer