Best Things to See and Do in Parma, Italy: Castles, Museums, Wine Bars, and Stunning Countryside

Parma, Italy Isn’t Only Famous for Its Ham and Cheese, It’s Also Home to Beautiful Architecture and Centuries Old Churches and Palaces

Cassandra James Review , Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jan 11, 2011 “Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here.
Before I visited Parma, Italy, the only thing I knew about it was the ham my family and I ate on sandwiches. Famous for its ham, cheese and incredible cuisine, Parma is also known for its centuries-old churches, palaces and theaters and its 3,500 year history. Tourists flock to Parma to eat some of Italy’s best food, listen to world-class opera and, of course, to see Parma F. C. football matches. When my family and I were there, we did all of that and so much more.
Visit the Baptistery of Parma – If you enjoy beautiful and unique architecture, a visit to Parma isn’t complete without seeing the Baptistery of Parma – still considered one of the most important Medieval buildings in Europe.The Baptistery of Parma is a pink marble, octagonal-shaped building over 800 years old. Famous for its architecture, as well as its incredible frescoes and mythical animal statues, the Baptistery is home to paintings and sculptures by famous Italian artist, Benedetto Antelami, who was instrumental in designing the building. There’s a small entrance fee but it’s well worth the price.
The National Gallery – For art lovers, or those who appreciate history, the National Gallery should not be missed. It’s located on the second floor of the Pilotta Palace and is full of artwork from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The Pilotta Palace is quite stunning too.

Bardi Castle – There are several Medieval castles to visit in Parma, but Bardi Castle is one of the best. Its gorgeous location on top of a hill, looking out over a fairytale valley makes you realize what these amazing buildings were actually used for – protection and security. At Bardi Castle, which is still in superb condition, you can tour the castle and learn about how people actually lived, see the rooms they ate in, danced in, worked in. There’s also a lovely garden and don’t miss the small museum.

Drink Wine at a Parma Wine Bar – Famous for its food and drink, you have to spend time at a Parma Wine Bar. Not only do you get to enjoy a superb local wine, but the farm-style food many of the bars offer is inexpensive yet very tasty. We spent several nights sitting at one or more wine bars, as they’re a superb place to people watch, soak up the atmosphere and see what life in an Italian town is all about. You’ll find the best wine bars around Via Farini and Via Gramsci.

Visit Parma’s Beautiful Countryside – Parma is known throughout Europe for its lovely countryside, so don’t miss venturing out into it when you’re there. We hired horses one day at a local stable and took a short pony trek through the area, stopping off for lunch at a local cafe, drinking wine and eating farm-made sandwiches. Unbelievable. You can also hike, cycle, mountain bike or just take a leisurely stroll. It’s all accessible within a few minutes of Parma city limits. Your hotel reception can tell you the best places to see.

More Information:
Baptistery of Parma

The National Gallery website
Bardi Castle – the site is in Italian, but the video shows just how beautiful Bardi Castle and the surrounding area is
Parma Tourism

Parma Food n Wine tours, Best Tour in Parma
Parma Food n Wine tours

Il Bacher restaurant Berceto – turn-off for great relaxing meal on A15 Autostrada


Il Bacher is in the perfect location Eatery  if you are driving from Parma to Spezia and Cinque Terre – you don’t want to take a break at Autogrill really do you!!??

vino bianco

The local rustic cuisine is at it’s best here and well within easy on the road budget.

Here you stand 840m above sea level on the Tuscan borderlands famous for it’s ancient trail Via Francigena and wonderful countryside.

Testaroli

Food n walk tours offer shot breaks in the hills staying in Berceto for the rare hillside Parmigiano Reggiano tours picnics gourmet Bacher restaurant lunches and relaxing walks.

 

FACEBOOK English Version with CONTACT DETAILS

About Us – Since 2004
We make great local rustic cuisine combining tradition and innovation with locally produced much of it organically grown.

Easy Location Between Parma-Berceto-and the Beach!!

A15 Autostrada, take the Berceto exit bearing left we are 600m from the exit.
The majestic Apennine mountains of Val Baganza, is home to this architectural stone Restaurant.

In 2009 the Restaurant Bacher was named “Restaurant of the Year” by the Italian Historical Gastronomy and we proudly continue our food tradition today.

 

INFORMATION:
Closed on Wednesdays during the summer season we are always open 11am 3.00pm and evenings.

SERVICES OFFERED:
Banquet service
private rooms
Park, garden and terrace
private parking
disabled access
air conditioning
ATM and Credit Cards: all
Contacts

Visit us – Visit our website: www.ilbacher.it

Phone 0525 629093
Email info@ilbacher.it
Website http://www.ilbacher.it/