PARMA a town of art, music, food and wine

Parma is one of the most beautiful Italian towns, and proud of its beauty for that matter. It seems to wear its elegant, well-kept streets and buildings as a well-off, self-conscious woman would wear her jewels.

The first visit to Parma is out of curiosity. The following are out of sheer love. It is impossible to resist the pervasive joie de vivre and sensuality – which satisfies all the senses – emanating from this town.

It is no coincidence that Parma is the capital of great music (the world’s greatest composer, Giuseppe Verdi, was born here) and gourmet food and wine (just two names: DOP Parmigiano Reggiano and DOP Prosciutto di Parma, the local star specialities).

Do not miss important events such as:
- Reggio Parma Festival in May (www.reggioparmafestival.com),
- Parma Poesia Festival in June (www.festivaldellapoesia.it)
- Verdi Festival (from 01/10 to 28/10/2009 – www.teatroregioparma.org).

Where to sleep?

Inaugurated in Spring of 2007, the new Youth Hostel of Parma is nearby exit n. 6 of the north ring road, just 1.8 km from the railway station and 4.5 km from the airport and in front of the biggest mall in town.

Just outside the building there’s the bus stop. Buses number 2 and 13 take a few minutes to reach the very centre of the city.

20 rooms, 83 beds. Each room with private bath, shower and bidet. Air (cool and warm) conditioning. The Youth Hostel offers to its guests big common areas, equipped with TV, comfortable sofas where to read and relax, self service area for breakfast: meeting spaces for everybody willing to meet new friends in a simple but warm atmosphere.

Groups can park the bus using the parking area in the back of the building and capitalise the many opportunities that the Youth Hostel offers in partnership with the city administration (theatres, museums, etc…).

The reception is open 24h. Check out must be done up to 9.30 am. Check in time is at 1.00 pm.