Exploring the Cultural and Culinary Delights of Parma, Italy

Harmonies of History

Today, Elke and I embarked on a journey through Parma that resonated with echoes of the past, a symphony of sights and sounds that painted a vivid picture of this city's rich heritage. It was a day of unearthing hidden gems, each with its own unique story to tell.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Mama Mia - Bottega & Piaceri. I opted for a traditional *torta fritta* with *prosciutto*, while Elke enjoyed a selection of local cheeses and artisanal bread. It was the perfect start to a day filled with exploration. I am happy to report that I did not forget my camera today, but I still do not have sunglasses. I will need to remember to buy some soon.

Our first stop was the House of Sound, a place I was particularly excited about. As a restorer of antique furniture, I have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and I was eager to see how that artistry translated into the world of sound. The House of Sound is a rich collection of instruments for communication and sound reproduction, from the phonograph to mp3. The collection includes over 400 items including phonographs and radios of every kind.


Explore the House of Sound in Parma: A captivating blend of technology museum, live music venue, and cultural attraction.

The true beauty of Parma lies not just in its grand monuments, but in the hidden stories whispered within its walls.

Stepping inside, I was immediately transported to another era. The museum was filled with a fascinating array of vintage radios, gramophones, and other sound-reproducing devices. Each piece was a testament to human ingenuity and the evolution of technology. I was particularly captivated by a beautifully preserved gramophone from the early 20th century, its polished wood and gleaming brass a testament to the skill of its maker. Elke, with her librarian's eye for detail, was equally fascinated, poring over the displays and reading about the history of each artifact. I was especially happy to see Elke so interested in the House of Sound, as I know she was not as excited about it as I was when I first read about it. She seemed to think that it would be boring, but I think she secretly enjoyed it.

From the House of Sound, we made our way to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Parma. As we walked through the museum's halls, we were transported back in time, surrounded by artifacts that told the story of Parma's ancient past. The museum is one of the oldest in Italy, established in 1760. It houses a collection of prehistoric, pre-Roman and Roman Italy and of ancient Egypt. The upper floor houses collections not related to the Parma area, such as the Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan sections and the statuary from the excavations in Rome. The lower floor houses the history of the area, from the Paleolithic to the terramare of the Bronze Age, up to the Roman and Lombard ages. I was particularly drawn to the Roman artifacts, imagining the lives of the people who had once walked these streets centuries ago. Elke, with her keen interest in history, was fascinated by the Egyptian collection, marveling at the intricate details of the sarcophagi and the hieroglyphs on the ancient papyri. I found myself pondering the skill required to create such intricate works, and how different techniques for woodworking are today. I also thought about my son, Maximilian, and how much he would have enjoyed this museum. He has always been interested in history, and I know he would have loved seeing these artifacts up close.


Discover the ancient treasures of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Parma, a must-visit archaeological museum showcasing a rich collection of historical artifacts.

For lunch, we chose Ristorante La Greppia, a local favorite known for its traditional Parmesan cuisine. The restaurant is a historic establishment in the city's gastronomic scene, a reference point for lovers of typical cuisine since the immediate post-war period. I savored *tortelli d'erbetta*, while Elke enjoyed *punta di vitello ripiena*. The meal was a delightful experience, a true taste of Parma's culinary heritage. The *tortelli* were perfectly cooked, the filling rich and flavorful, and the *vitello* was tender and succulent. As we ate, we discussed the morning's adventures, sharing our favorite moments and exchanging insights. I made a mental note to try and recreate the *tortelli* when we returned home, eager to share the flavors of Parma with our friends and family. The restaurant had an intimate and elegant atmosphere.


Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante La Greppia in Parma – where every dish tells a story.

Our final stop of the day was the Palatina Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and history. Founded in 1761 by Philip of Bourbon, it is located in the Pilotta Palace. The library is divided into three halls: the Marie Louise Hall, the Dante Hall, and the Petitot Gallery. As we stepped inside, we were immediately struck by the grandeur and serenity of the space. The library's vast collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents was a testament to human knowledge and creativity. I was particularly interested in the library's collection of rare books, imagining the countless hours of scholarship and dedication that had gone into preserving these precious artifacts. Elke, as a librarian herself, was in her element, poring over the displays and sharing her expertise with me. She told me about the library's history, its founders, and the many scholars who had passed through its doors over the centuries. The Palatina Library has an almost uninterrupted lineage of librarians that dates back to the foundation of the institution in 1761. The first librarian was Paolo Maria Paciaudi, who used a card catalogue for the first time in Italy.


Discover the Palatina Library in Parma, a cultural haven filled with centuries of literature and art, inviting tourists to explore Italy's rich intellectual heritage.

Before dinner, Elke and I took a stroll through the Galleria Borromei. While Elke looked at the luxury accessories and bags, I enjoyed looking at the architecture of the shopping center. It was a nice way to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. We ended up buying a nice leather bag for Elke, as her old one was starting to show its age. I think that Elke appreciated the gesture, as she has been wanting a new bag for some time now.


Explore the eclectic charm of Galleria Borromei, a vintage clothing store in Parma offering unique fashion treasures and a nostalgic shopping experience.

For dinner, we decided to try Osteria dello Zingaro, a restaurant known for its traditional Parmesan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The osteria serves traditional food, such as trippa, horse meat, salumi, pasta and cheese. The restaurant's interior was warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, rustic wooden tables, and soft lighting. We started with a selection of local *salumi*, followed by *anolini in brodo* and *trippa alla parmigiana*. The food was hearty and delicious, the perfect way to end a day of exploration. As we ate, we reflected on our experiences, savoring the flavors of Parma and the memories we had created together. I was particularly impressed with the *trippa*, a dish I had never tried before but found surprisingly flavorful and satisfying. Elke, with her adventurous palate, enjoyed the *anolini*, praising the richness of the broth and the tenderness of the pasta. I felt very content, and happy that we had visited the Osteria.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Osteria Dello Zingaro in Parma - where tradition meets taste.

As we walked back to Sina Maria Luigia, the city was quiet, the streets empty save for the occasional passerby. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of flowers and freshly baked bread. I took Elke's hand in mine, and we walked in comfortable silence, content in each other's company. I thought about tomorrow's itinerary, which includes a visit to the Palazzo Ducale di Parma, the Palazzo del Grano, and the ruins of the Chiesa di San Pietro. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, and to continue exploring this beautiful city with my wife.


Experience the charm of Parma at Sina Maria Luigia, your perfect blend of comfort and convenience, steps from historic attractions!

Today was a day of discovery, a journey through the heart and soul of Parma. From the melodies of the House of Sound to the ancient artifacts of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the literary treasures of the Palatina Library, we experienced the city's rich cultural heritage in all its glory. As we prepare for our adventures tomorrow, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful city with my beloved Elke.