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Camera di San Paolo and Cella di Santa Caterina: A Renaissance Masterpiece

Discover Renaissance art and history in the tranquil Camera di San Paolo and Cella di Santa Caterina, a hidden gem in Parma's cultural landscape.

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The Camera di San Paolo and Cella di Santa Caterina, located in Parma, Italy, are two exquisitely decorated rooms within a former Benedictine monastery, showcasing frescoes by Alessandro Araldi and Correggio. These chambers offer a glimpse into the lives of the Abbesses who once resided here and the rich artistic heritage of the Renaissance period.

A brief summary to Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the day and season.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and artistry of the frescoes.
  • The Cella di Santa Caterina may be closed due to restoration works.
  • The Camera di San Paolo is part of the Castles of Parma circuit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina is located at Strada Macedonio Melloni, 3, in the city center of Parma. From Piazza Garibaldi, the main square, walk east along Strada della Repubblica, then turn right onto Strada Macedonio Melloni. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest bus stop to Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina is 'Parma - Piazza Ghiaia'. Several bus lines stop here. A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 80 minutes. You can purchase tickets from tobacconists, vending machines, or via contactless payment on the bus. From the bus stop, walk along Strada Macedonio Melloni to reach the destination.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Parma, especially near the train station and Piazza Garibaldi. A short taxi ride from the Parma train station to Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. You can also call a taxi at +390521252562 or send an SMS to +393666730000.

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Discover more about Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina

The Camera di San Paolo and Cella di Santa Caterina are located in the heart of Parma, offering a serene escape into the world of Renaissance art and history. These rooms are part of the former Monastery of San Paolo, originally built for Benedictine nuns and rebuilt in the late 15th century. Today, visitors can explore two beautifully adorned chambers that once belonged to Abbess Giovanna da Piacenza. The first chamber was decorated by Alessandro Araldi in 1514, showcasing artwork that closely aligns with the Roman painting styles of the time. The vault features candelabras set against a blue backdrop, surrounded by roundels, squares, and lunettes illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The adjacent room, known as the Camera della Badessa Giovanna, was completed by Correggio in 1519. Correggio's work introduces a distinctly humanistic pictorial language to Parma, with painted vegetal patterns that transform the architectural space. The decoration evolves from the Abbess's coat of arms at the center of the vault, dividing into sixteen segments with putti bearing allegorical symbols. The Cella di Santa Caterina, a small chapel on the edge of the monastery garden, features frescoes by Alessandro Araldi depicting scenes from the life of Saint Catherine. These frescoes portray the saint's dispute before Emperor Maximin and her association with Saint Jerome. The frescoes are characterized by the classical poise of the figures and an atmosphere of elegant simplicity. Visiting the Camera di San Paolo and Cella di Santa Caterina offers a unique opportunity to delve into the museum's itinerary and explore the private apartment of Abbess Giovanna da Piacenza. The complex reached its peak between the 15th and 16th centuries, with significant figures like Abbesses Cecilia Bergonzi and Giovanna da Piacenza shaping its history. The Camera di San Paolo is part of the Circuit of Castles of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli.

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