walking tour of parma italy

One Day in Parma - A Complete Walking Tour (Maps & Tips)

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This small city in Emilia Romagna has an incredible mix of culture and history. Exploring Parma offers a richly rewarding experience, particularly for food enthusiasts who can savour the delights of parmesan cheese and Parma ham, both topping the list of culinary must-tries. Additionally, those with an appreciation for art and culture will find themselves captivated by the Romanesque cathedral, ancient Roman remnants, Renaissance artworks, and the renowned opera house.

Getting to Parma

Parma By Train: Parma is linked with many regional and high speed trains to Bologna and Milan. The train station is conveniently located near both to the historic centre and the pick up place for the Parmigiano Production and Parma Ham Tour & Tastin g .

Parma By Bus: Again well connected, the central bus station is located behind the Museums & the Pilotta Palace .

Parma By Car : Warning! The historical centre of Parma is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) controlled by cameras working every day, included festivities. All around the Limited Traffic Zone there are many covered car parks. I would suggest Viale Riccardo Barilla Parking

Start off with a Parmesan, Parma Ham & Balsamic Vinegar Tour

You have come to the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and Prosciutto di Parma, which means you will want to start the day off with an organised tour. I suggest you check availability of the tour below, which takes about 7.5 hours.

If that is fully booked you can try this shorter Parmigiano Production and Parma Ham Tour & Tasting Tour (5 hours).

Historic Walking Tour of Parma

Both tours should drop you off behind the train station where you can continue with the tour of historic Parma. Again you have to option of joining an organised Parma city walking tou r .

Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina

From the train station walk down Via Giuseppe Verdi, at the end of which continue through the arches. You enter a large square, walk past the Monumento a Giuseppe Verdi and turn left. Walk south along Str. Giuseppe Garibald and turn first left onto Strada Macedonio Melloni. The Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina is on your left, next to the Castle Puppets Museum Giordano Ferrari.

The Chamber of Saint Paul was originally a part of the abbess’ quarters within the Benedictine Convent of Saint Paul. It underwent decorative enhancements starting in 1514 under the guidance of Abbess Giovanna da Piacenza, who presided over a period marked by vibrant cultural activities.

The frescoes painted by Correggio in 1519 are considered true masterpieces of Italian High Renaissance art. The room features an umbrella vault divided into 16 segments by late Gothic ribs. Correggio, influenced by the works of Mantegna, Raphael, and Leonardo in Milan, skillfully created the illusion of a pergola adorned with festoons of fruit suspended by ribbons. At the center of the dome, one can observe the coat of arms of Abbess Giovanna. Each of the 16 segments houses an oval trompe-l’oeil opening, displaying finely executed putti in playful poses, with elements such as dogs, bows and arrows, hunting equipment, and trophies.

Beneath the vault, faux-marble lunettes showcase monochrome mythological figures in a classical style, while the hood over the massive stone fireplace depicts Diana on a chariot, preparing for the hunt.

These frescoes transcend being mere allegories of the goddess of hunting. The cycle is widely recognized as a visual record of the abbess’s spirited struggle against civil and religious authorities who sought to diminish the political influence of convents and stifle their thriving intellectual and social life.

The adjacent room, adorned in 1514 by Alessandro Araldi, was also part of the abbess’ living quarters. It features a composition of grotesque elements with putti, fantastical creatures, and gilded stucco rosettes set against a dark blue background. Tondi (circular paintings) and panels depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, while on the ceiling, musical angels in trompe-l’oeil style gaze over a balustrade.

Alessandro Araldi also decorated a small chapel located on the opposite side of the monastery garden, known as Saint Catherine’s Cell, with two scenes from the life of the saint.

Diocesan Museum of Parma

Continue along Strada Macedonio Melloni bearing left as it turns into Borgo del Parmigianino. You will see Pinacoteca Stuard on your left, an art museum housed inside a wing of the 10th century Benedictine monastery of St. Paolo. Turn right into Borgo Montassù and right again. At the T-junction turn left to reach the Diocesan Museum.

The Diocesan Museum of Parma officially opened its doors in March 2003, marking the culmination of an extensive restoration effort that also encompassed the Bishop’s Palace. The museum’s exhibition space is situated in the basement of the palace, and it houses a remarkable collection of archaeological discoveries and artworks sourced from the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and various locations within the diocesan territory.

Throughout the restoration process undertaken to create the Bishopric and the Museum, significant historical remains were uncovered. These included the foundations of a medieval building and a segment of the Roman walls dating back to the late 3rd century AD. These archaeological findings added a rich layer of historical context to the museum and its surroundings.

Monastery and church of San Giovanni Evangelista

Walk to the left of the Cathedral along Str. del Consorzio to reach Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista.

The monastery complex comprises three main elements: the Church, the Monastery, and the San Giovanni Old Pharmacy.

The Church, constructed for the Benedictine order between 1498 and 1510, presents a striking architectural contrast. Its elaborate white marble Baroque facade stands in stark contrast to the Renaissance design of the cloisters and convent.

Inside the church, designed in a Latin-cross layout, a frieze along the nave was painted in 1522-23 by Correggio. He also adorned the nave columns with grotesque designs and embellished the entrance to the 5th north chapel. The most famous fresco cycle in the church’s dome, traditionally known as the “Vision of St. John at Patmos,” features an unusual subject in Christian iconography. In this artwork, the evangelist is depicted as an elderly man gazing upward at the sky, while the central figure of Christ moves toward him. The use of light, colors, and the portrayal of clouds upon which the apostles are seated creates an illusion of remarkable depth, freedom, and dynamism. Behind the 17th-century polychrome marble altar is a large canvas of the “Transfiguration” painted by Girolamo Mazzola-Bedoli, who also created the “Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine” in the 4th north chapel in 1536. A wooden choir by Marcantonio Zucchi, featuring intricate inlays of floral motifs, town views, hills, and musical instruments, encircles the apse.

Notably, a putto located under the tower between the north pendentives has been recently attributed to Parmigianino. Parmigianino’s frescoes in the north aisle also depict figures of saints.

Adjacent to the church entrance is the Benedictine monastery, a sprawling complex that includes a chapter-house, a refectory, and elegant Renaissance cloisters. These cloisters include the St. John Cloister (1537), the Chapter Cloister (1500) with a marble portal, and the Large St. Benedict Cloister. Correggio’s frescoes in the chapter-house portray the Christian Sacrifice.

Within the monastery is a 16th-century library featuring frescoed walls and housing a collection of over 20,000 books and rare codices.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Walk around back to the front of the Cattedrale di Parma and the Baptistery of Parma.

The Cathedral, devoted to the Virgin Mary, stands as an exceptional representation of Romanesque architecture in Italy. It was initially constructed by Bishop Cadalus, who later became the antipope Honorius II due to his heretical beliefs. In 1117, a devastating earthquake laid the cathedral to ruins, but it was subsequently rebuilt and completed during the 12th century. The addition of the towering bell tower, crowned with a gilt copper angel, took place in the following century, while the side chapels were incorporated during the 14th and 15th centuries.

The cathedral’s facade is crafted from sandstone blocks and adorned with a row of loggias as well as two tiers of galleries. The porch at the main entrance is supported by lions, a creation dating back to 1281 by master stone-cutter Giambono da Bissone. The presence of an octagonal dome, situated atop a crossing tower, is somewhat unconventional for a medieval church.

Internally, the Cathedral follows a Latin cross layout. The ceiling and walls are embellished with frescoes executed in the Mannerist style. An impressive 16th-century red Verona marble staircase leads to the transepts. On the right side, a renowned relief known as the “Deposition” by Benedetto Antelami can be found, representing one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture with evident Provencal influences.

The cathedral’s dome presents a striking feature, frescoed by Correggio in 1526 with the “Assumption of the Virgin.” This artwork features concentric circles of clouds and heavenly hosts, which served as an inspiration for much of the subsequent Baroque art due to its pioneering illusionistic style. Correggio’s bold use of foreshortening in this fresco makes the figures within the clouds appear to protrude realistically into the viewer’s space.

The vaults above the choir were adorned by Girolamo Mazzola Bedoli in 1538. He also undertook the frescoing of the “Last Judgment” in the semidome of the apse.

Baptistery, Parma

Constructed between 1196 and 1307, the Baptistery of Parma, crafted from pink Verona marble, stands as a prime example of the architectural and artistic transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles in Italy.

This octagonal baptistery boasts four levels of open loggias adorned with a series of blind arches and majestic pinnacles crowning its structure. It is unquestionably one of the most remarkable illustrations of Italy’s shift from Romanesque to Gothic artistry.

The construction of this baptistery commenced in 1196, carried out by the same Lombard artisans who were concurrently working on the cathedral. Its final completion occurred between 1302 and 1307, under the supervision of Benedetto Antelami, who was responsible for executing the majority of the ornate sculptures, which are characteristic of medieval iconography.

The lower portion of the baptistery is encircled by a zoophorus, adorned with bas-relief sculptures featuring an array of creatures. These include animals, mythical beasts, infernal beings, sea monsters, centaurs, mermaids, unicorns, and Zodiac signs.

The north entrance, known as the Portale della Vergine, is embellished with depictions of the Adoration of the Magi and the Annunciation, the twelve prophets, the Tree of Jacob on the right side, the Tree of Jesse on the left, and the Tree of Life on the interior. The west entrance, or Portale del Giudizio, features a representation of the Redeemer in the lunette above.

The southern entrance, referred to as the Portale della Vita or Door of Life, showcases a scene in its lunette where a man is seen eating honey in a tree, accompanied by two rodents and a dragon at the base. Flanking this scene are depictions of the chariots of the Sun and Moon.

Within the interior, which features a sixteen-sided polygonal design, are the remarkable sculptures created by Benedetto Antelami portraying the Months, the Seasons, and the Signs of the Zodiac. Above the altar, in the semi-dome, a Christ in Glory is encircled by the symbols of the four evangelists and accompanied by two angels.

Piazza Garibaldi

Walk along Str. Duomo and turn left into Strada Cavour and its shops. Piazza Garibaldi is at the end.

Piazza Garibaldi, situated on the historic site of the ancient Roman forum, serves as Parma’s bustling cobbled center. The square is divided by the city’s primary east-to-west thoroughfare, Via Mazzini, which continues as Strada della Repubblica.

On the northern side of the square stands the façade of the 17th-century Palazzo del Governatore, which now houses municipal offices. This building features a notable addition in the form of a giant sundial, installed in 1829, adding an intriguing and functional element to the architectural landscape of the square.

Basilica of St Mary of Steccata

Leave along Piazza della Steccata to the right of the road you entered the square on, follow the brown sign for Pilotta. The Piazza della Steccata hold a Monumento al Parmigianino an Italian Mannerist painter native to Parma.

Consecrated in 1539, the church boasts an elegant Bramante-style architectural design. It takes the form of a Greek cross, featuring semi-circular apses and square corner chapels. The façade is adorned with pilasters, windows, and mullions, crowned by a marble dome equipped with a loggia and lantern. Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, who arrived in Parma in 1526 on the request of Pope Clement VII to fortify the city’s defences, likely played a role in the construction of this dome.

Inside the church, to the left of the entrance, is the tomb of Count Adam Neipperg, the morganatic spouse of Marie Louise of Austria. This tomb was crafted between 1829 and 1831 by the sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini.

The church’s most elaborate artistic work is the fresco cycle positioned above the presbytery, which was meticulously painted by Parmigianino between 1530 and 1539. This cycle illustrates the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins and is adorned with a profusion of animal and plant motifs against a red background. On the intrados, which features gold decorations on a blue background, are four monochrome figures: Eve and Aaron on the right and Adam and Moses on the left, although Parmigianino left this work unfinished.

The altar, adorned with 18th-century statues, houses the fresco of the Madonna Suckling the Child. This painting, originating from the original oratory, is attributed to an anonymous late 14th-century artist. Behind the presbytery is the Knight’s Choir, and above it, there is a small bronze statue of Christ Risen created by Andrea Spinelli.

A door on the left side leads to the sacristy and the burial chapel constructed in 1823 by Marie Louise. This chapel serves as the final resting place for the dukes of Parma from the Farnese and Bourbon families.

Adjacent to the church is the Costantinian Museum, which houses a treasure trove of art and historical artefacts for visitors to explore.

Regio Theatre

As you come out of Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata turn right. Teatro Regio is on your left.

The Regio Theatre, commissioned by Maria Luigia and designed by architect Nicola Bettoli, stands as a testament to architectural and cultural grandeur. It was constructed between 1821 and 1829 on the grounds of the former Benedictine convent of St. Alessandro.

The neoclassical facade of the theater is an impressive sight, featuring a portico supported by ten Ionic columns. A double row of windows and ornate decorations by Tommaso Bandini adorn both sides of the tympanum, portraying allegorical representations of Fame and the Lyre.

Upon entering the theater’s neoclassical hall, visitors find themselves in the elliptical stalls. These were adorned in white and gold by Girolamo Magnani in 1853 and are surrounded by four tiers of boxes and a gallery. The theater is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, intricate stage designs, elegant halls, a beautifully decorated ceiling, and a curtain adorned by Borghese in 1824. A grand chandelier, manufactured in Paris and weighing a staggering one ton, illuminates the space. All of these elements combine to make the theater a veritable shrine dedicated to the opera of Verdi and renowned for its discerning and critical audience.

The Regio Theatre officially opened on May 16, 1829, with the premiere of the opera “Zaira,” which was specially composed by Vincenzo Bellini for the occasion. Since then, it has continued to uphold its status as one of the most esteemed opera houses in the world, hosting performances that celebrate the rich heritage of Italian and international opera.

Palazzo della Pilotta

Head across the Piazza della Pace to reach the Palazzo della Pilotta.

The Pilotta, originally conceived as a building to complement the Ducal Palace and serve the needs of the Court, is a vast and complex architectural ensemble that saw the contributions of various architects during different periods.

Construction is believed to have commenced before 1583, starting with the “Corridore,” an east-to-west extension (now occupied by the Petitot Gallery of the Palatine Library). This covered walkway connected the ancient Viscontea Fortress to a cluster of houses occupied by the Farnese family upon their arrival in Parma.

Construction activities were interrupted with the death of Duke Ottavio in 1586 but resumed in the early months of 1602 under Duke Ranuccio I. Ranuccio I was fond of grand and imposing buildings that underscored his power, and the works on the Pilotta were completed in 1611. However, the project left the site unfinished, notably lacking the imposing facade facing the “Ghiaia.”

After the death of Ranuccio I in 1622, Cardinal Ottavio Farnese called upon Girolamo Rainaldi from Rome to assist the architect Battistelli, but little progress was made on the construction.

On the northeast side, new buildings were added adjacent to the Dominican monastery and the existing Gothic church of Saint Peter the Martyr. The Farnese family unsuccessfully attempted to demolish this church, resulting in the construction of the voluminous Palace that enclosed three large courtyards known as Pilotta, Saint Peter the Martyr, Guazzatoio, and Della Rocchetta.

The monumental scissor staircase, covered by an octagonal cupola, leads to the Museum of Antiquities and the first floor, providing access to the Farnese Theater, the National Gallery, and the Palatine Library. It is considered the first example in Italy of an “Imperial” staircase.

Significant interventions, including restoration and internal restructuring, were carried out on Palazzo Pilotta between 1822 and 1824 under the guidance of Nicola Bettoli, with assistance from Paolo Toschi.

On May 13, 1944, a devastating bombing raid severely damaged a large portion of the west and south wings, including the Teatro Farnese. These sections were subsequently rebuilt in the years immediately following the end of World War II.

Parco Ducale

Walk through the arches of the Pilotta Palace and cross over the Ponte Verdi. The Parco Ducale is in front of you.

The intricate and lush green landscape of the Ducal Park was initially designed in 1560 and expanded during the 18th century. Adorned with sculptures by J.B. Boudard, it later underwent modifications in the French style.

Within the park’s grounds stand the Ducal Palace and the Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale, constructed in Renaissance style in 1520 by Giorgio Da Erba. The small palace boasts frescoes by Parmigianino, featuring a Madonna and child, which have been recently restored. Additionally, there is an oil painting on one of the walls depicting scenes from the Life of the Virgin, in the late Mannerist style, attributed to the clergyman Cosimo Piazza. The wall also features grotesque elements and landscapes from the late 16th century.

Noteworthy within the park are the Arcadia woods, which contain the ruins of the Temple of Arcadia, created by Petitot. In the 18th century, these woods were a gathering place for Parmesan Arcadians.

The Fountain of Parma River, situated in the middle of the park’s lake, was originally located in the Ducal Palace in Colorno. Under the rule of Marie Louise, who opened the Park to the citizens, significant changes were made to its botanical features to align it more with the English style of landscaping.

The park offers a range of amenities, including a playground for children, fountains, sports tracks, a dedicated area for dogs, and a café with outdoor seating where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Exit the park the same gate you entered and cross back over the river and turning immediately left. to walk alongside it.

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Parma Free Original Walking Tour

Parma City will surprise you! This Parma Free Original Walking Tour is the perfect stop for a day or two. The city surprises with its elegant monuments, churches and green spaces. The tour starts in Piazza Garibaldi, the center of social life, and arrives at Piazza Duomo, an impressive square with a medieval atmosphere, including the cathedral, the Baptistery and the Bishop’s Palace. We keep walking until we reach La Pilotta, a symbol of the duke’s power, and the Monumental complex in the gardens.

You will then proceed to the Mariana della Stecata Cathedral, ending at the Reggio Theater, one of the city’s most important monuments. This unique free walking tour of Parma is the perfect way to discover the true essence of Emilia-Romagna and Italy. In addition to its many impressive attractions, you will learn about Parma’s history, culture, and local way of life to become a true local.

• Stroll through the center of this charming town known as the “small Italian Paris.”
• Visit historical buildings, valuable monuments, distinctive streets and squares, churches, and a theater
• Walk along the beautiful “Lungo Parma” avenue that runs alongside the city’s homonymous stream
• Witness the famous Parma Ham, Culatello and of course Parmigiano Reggiano, all these gastronomic excellences with the protected brand

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

The Original Parma Free Walking Tour is worth joining if you want to dig deeper into Italy’s gastronomy tourism. This free walking tour is especially tailored for art and culture enthusiasts. In this tour, you will be enchanted by the Romanesque cathedral, Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and famous opera house.

What’s Included

✔ Professional guide

✘ Gratuities

✘ Food and drinks, unless specified

Departure & Return

Departure Point: Piazza della Pilotta, 3, 43121 Parma PR, Italy

Return Details: Same as where the tour started

What To Expect

The Original Turin Free Walking Tour is a lovely stroll through the center of this charming town known as the “small Italian Paris.” We’ll walk down the beautiful “Lungo Parma” avenue that runs alongside the city’s homonymous stream. We’ll walk through the Ducal Park, a rare example of a princely park complete with secular plants, fields, and paths.

The walk continues along ancient streets, where you can see historical buildings, valuable monuments, distinctive streets and squares, churches, and a theater. We’ll take the shopping route and eat at the gastronomic botteghe. The walk concludes in a typical location where you can sample the famous Prosciutto di Parma, culatello, and Parmesan cheese.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate

Cancellation Policy

This experience requires good weather. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered or you can also choose a different date. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If the tour is canceled because the minimum numbers of participants aren’t met, you’ll be offered or you can also choose a different date.

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Reviews (4).

Lucia Galatola

Buonasera vorrei unirmi al gruppo domenica 18 settembre. A che ora parte il tour? Grazie

Buongiorno, vorrei unirmi al gruppo domenica 18 settembre. Mi indicate a che ora inizia il tour? Grazie

David Kettle

Hi we arrive by train from Bologna tomorrow at 10.30. Do you have any availability for Saturday. If so what time do you start where from and what cost. Thanks Joe

Hi Can i join the tour tomorrow Thursday? Thanks Waffa

Only guests who have booked can leave a review.

Tour Booking

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Parma Walking Tour

Tour details.

Discover the historical center of Parma on a two-hour tour accompanied by a local guide. Parma City Tour is the new guided walking tour that will allow you to get to know the main treasures of the city and the main food and wine secrets of the city, that have made Parma Creative City for Gastronomy and Capital of Italian Culture 2020.

The tour includes a small Parmesan Cheese tasting!

• When: everyday at 10.00 ( by 5.00pm of the day before ); Saturday also at 3.00 pm
• Where:   Tourist Information Office IAT in Piazza Garibaldi 1
• Language: english and italian, french and italian

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Walk parma - private tour, free walking tour italia.

The city of Parma will amaze you! Coming down from Milan, heading South, Parma is the perfect stop for a day or two. The city surprises for its ele...

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PARMA CITY TOUR

Discover the historical center of Parma on a two-hour tour accompanied by a local guide. Parma City Tour is the new guided walking tour that will allow you to get to know the main treasures of the city and the main food and wine secrets of the city, that have made Parma Creative City for Gastronomy and Capital of Italian Culture 2020.

The tour starts from Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the city, and continues among the main monuments, only from outside, there are no entrances included.

EVERY MORNING (from Monday to Sunaday): Italian/English SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Italian/French

• August 2024

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Category Guided tours

• Description

Every Morning at 10,00: Italian/English

On Saturday afternoon at 15,00 : Italian/French

Full: € 15,00 Reduced from 11 to 18 years and disabled: € 12,00 Under 10: free

From Monday to Sunday at 10,00 (ITA/ENG)

On Saturday afternoon at 15,00 (ITA/FR)

WARNING! Please note that the booking system can indicate different times for the visits due to the time zone, the starting time is always at 10,30 and 15 (just for Saturday afternoon or special holidays)

Where the guided tour begins :

Ufficio Turistico IAT in Piazza Garibaldi 1 (Parma)

Cancellation Policy: 

All orders (unless otherwise indicated in the description of the experience) are considered cancelable without penalty up to 72 hours before the beginning of the same experience. After this term the penalty is 100% of the order value.

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GUIDED TOURS OF THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF CASTELL'ARQUATO

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Free Walking Sightseeing Tours in Parma, Italy

Guided free walking tours.

Book free guided walking tours in Parma.

Guided Sightseeing Tours

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Parma.

Are you ready for an unforgettable time in Parma, Italy? Then you've come to the right place with our sightseeing tours. Whether you prefer a guided free walking tour with insider knowledge or enjoy the freedom of a self-guided route, you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Click on a tour and find out more about the highlights that await you!

GuruWalk: A walking tour through the culinary corners of Parma

Self-guided Tour #1

• Auditorium Niccolò Paganini
• Chiesa di San Benedetto
• Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato
• Oratorio Immacolata Concezione
• Monumento a Ercole e Anteo
• Casa del Suono
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
• Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni
• Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista
• Battistero di Parma
• Museo Diocesano
• Pinacoteca Stuard
• Monumento ai Caduti di tutte le guerre
• Camera della Badessa
• Castello dei Burattini - Museo Giordano Ferrari
• Monumento al Partigiano
• Museo Glauco Lombardi
• Chiesa di Santa Lucia
• Museo Costantiniano della Steccata
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata
• Statua del Parmigianino
• Teatro Regio
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale
• Accademia di belle arti di Parma
• Galleria Nazionale
• Teatro Farnese
• Museo Bodoniano
• Piazza della Pace
• Monumento a Giuseppe Verdi

Self-guided Tour #2

• Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale
• Tempietto d'Arcadia
• Fontana del Trianon
• Porta Santa Croce
• Chiesa di Santa Croce
• Monumento a Padre Lino
• Archivio di Stato
• Oratorio di Sant'Ilario
• Chiesa di San Giacomo
• Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata
• Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
• Resti del ponte romano
• Chiesa di Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù
• Chiesa della Santissima Trinità

Self-guided Tour #3

• Chiesa di Ognissanti
• Chiesa di Santa Caterina
• Chiesa di San Giuseppe
• Chiesa di Santa Maria del Quartiere

Self-guided Tour #4

• Museo Fondazione Cariparma
• Chiesa di San Tommaso
• Chiesa di San Salvatore
• Monumento al màt Sicuri
• Chiesa di San Pietro
• Palazzo del Podestà
• Palazzo del Comune
• Monumento a Ercole e Anteo - I Du Brasè
• Chiesa di San Vitale
• Chiesa di Santa Cristina
• Chiesa di San Quintino
• Chiesa di Santi Maria Maddalena e Nettario
• Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate

Self-guided Tour #5

• Arco di San Lazzaro
• Monumento ad Arturo Toscanini
• Chiesa di Sant'Uldarico
• Orto Botanico

Why Visit Sights? Self-guided sightseeing tours are a free and safe alternative to bus tours. You can explore Parma at your own pace, any time! Do something good for your health by walking.

Parma Food Walking Tour

PARMA FOOD WALKING TOUR 

Experience Parma’s rich culture and fascinating history the best way possible – through its cuisine!

We are parmesans who are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around this world-famous and historical town.

During this Parma Food Walking Tour you will discover the history, art and culture of the “Little Capital” and will experience parmesan lifestyle, visiting the places frequented by locals and immersing yourself in the street life. Booking this Parma Food Walking Tour, you will experience our passion by eating traditional Parmesan and Italian food !

You will discover the secrets of the worldwide famous typical products of this area and taste them: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Parma Ham, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Culatello of Zibello, Spalla, Salame, Lambrusco and Gelato . These are just some of the protagonists of this exciting walk!

Discover Parma old town, learn how to make the perfect espresso and cappuccino , savor mouth-watering pastries , pies and homemade pasta …

Once our experienced guide concludes the Parma Food walking tour, you will leave with a stomach full of traditional food, plus local knowledge and sightseeing tips, to enhance the pleasure of your trip that will last for a lifetime!

Want to know more?

Departure: suggested time 10.30 am; 1.30 pm; 5.00 pm

Private tours can start at whatever time requested

Duration: 3 h

• Professional local guide
• 5 Food and Wine Stops
• Chopping board of cold cuts: Prosciutto di Parma DOP, Culatello di Zibello DOP, Culaccia, Spalla, Coppa, Salame
• Vertical Tasting of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
• Traditional Fresh Homemade Pasta (2 types)
• Traditional Sandwich or Focaccia
• Traditional Cakes/Pastries
• Artisanal Gelato
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Bottled water
• 2 Glasses of DOC Parma Hills Wine

Know Before You Book

• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Please advise of any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian and gluten free options available with prior notice, please advise when booking
• A moderate amount of walking is involved (3 km)
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes without high heels
• This is a private tour, run exclusively for you and your family or friends

Meeting Point

• Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 19, 43121 Parma PR, Italy

We will meet in front of “O’Bistrot” Cafe in Garibaldi Square, next to Giuseppe Garibaldi statue. The historic center of Parma is closed to traffic. The most convenient parking is the Toschi Parking. The meeting place can be easily reached on foot in 10 minutes.

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to Do in Parma (Italy)

15 Best Things to Do in Parma (Italy)

Parma is one of the largest cities in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy and is particularly famous for its prosciutto and cheese. With a population of 192,000 the city has seen some form of inhabitation since the Bronze Age and throughout the ages has continued to play an important role in the development of Italy.

During the Middle Ages, Parma was ruled by the Franks and was part of the Holy Roman Empire, but during the 1200’s it became engulfed in the conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. During the 1800’s, the city was annexed by France under the rule of Napoleon, and then finally became a part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Due to its long history and influence from various cultures and ruling empires, Parma has a plethora of historical sites and fantastic religious buildings.

From the beautiful Parma Cathedral and the magnificent Teatro Regio, to the interesting Museo Glauco Lombardi and the National Gallery – There is something to suit everyone’s tastes and interests! Aside from the fantastic array of attractions, Parma also has a host of amazing restaurants and cafes that serve its world renowned foods.

Lets explore the best things to do in Parma :

1. Parma Cathedral

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Parma Cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of a Romanesque Cathedral in Italy, and is particularly known for its fantastic interior frescos.

Located in the Piazza del Duomo in the centre of the historic old town, the cathedral holds an important place in the city.

The front façade features a series of large ornate arches, and an immense campanile stands next to the church.

Inside, the cathedral has a plethora of beautiful decoration but the centre piece is the stunning fresco on the main dome.

Depicting the assumption of the Virgin, and painted by Correggio, this fresco is bursting with colour even today and is considered a fine example of Renaissance art.

2. Parma Baptistery

As the main Baptistery of Parma, this structure sits next to the cathedral but actually dwarfs it in size and stands higher than the central point on the roof of the cathedral.

Towering over the surrounding buildings, the baptistery stands tall and features some fantastic exterior artwork and arches.

Whilst the exterior is fantastic in its own right, the interior is simply stunning and is covered with detailed frescos and marble statues.

Each of the octagonal wall panels contain a separate fresco that was painted in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the higher wall sections contain statues of important Italians.

On the ceiling sections there is a gorgeous painting split into sections that each depicts a different religious figure.

3. Piazza Garibaldi

Parma has a number of charming squares, but the most notable is the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi that can be found to the south of the cathedral in the historic town centre.

This square is surrounded by important structures including the monumental Palazzo del Governatore, the Comune Di parma and the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle.

Standing in front of the Palazzo del Governatore is a bronze statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi who was instrumental in the unification of Italy.

This is a great place to relax and there is also a series of shops, restaurants and cafes for your convenience.

4. Teatro Farnese

Located within the Palazzo della Pilotta complex, the Teatro Farnese is one of the most renowned example of a wooden theatre that stands today.

Created in the 1600’s, at the time it was also the largest theatre in the world and could hold a crowd of 4,500 people.

Although hugely damaged during WWII, the theatre has since been restored and today you can admire the amazing detail of the wooden seating and walls.

Surrounding the semi-circular seats are a series of ornate wooden arches that would have served as boxes for the wealthy elite of Parma.

5. Church of St. John the Evangelist

Tucked behind the cathedral is another fantastic church – The Church of St. John the Evangelist that was created in the 1500’s during the Renaissance.

Made of the same pink marble as the Cathedral, the front façade of the church has a Romanesque style and features several highly detailed sculptures and a bell tower that stands at 73m high.

Inside, the building has a great deal of religious artwork and beautiful decoration and features more work from the renowned artist Correggio.

Furthermore there is also an adjoining monastery that provides insight into religious history with its series of ancient manuscripts and codexes.

6. Palazzo della Pilotta

This huge complex is one of the largest in Parma and sits in beautiful grounds on the banks of the River Torrente Parma.

Constructed in the late 1500’s, this complex served various functions including a royal palace and a court.

Parts of the structure remained unfinished and thus create a strange combination of plain stone architecture together with decorated facades and beautiful arched walkways.

Within the complex you can find The National Gallery, The Biblioteca Palatina and the magnificent Teatro Farnese.

7. Parco Ducale

Parma has several beautiful parks, but non as expansive and luscious as the vast Parco Ducale.

Covering over 200 square metres, this park is one of the central places of recreation in Parma and is simply known as “The Garden”. Located across the river adjacent to the Palazzo della Pilotta, the park is easily accessible.

Throughout the park you can find various pleasant avenues lined with trees and plants, and also the fantastic Fontana del Trianon that is surrounded by a beautiful body of water.

Designed impeccably, the whole layout and aesthetics of the park are wonderful and if you are looking for a place to relax, the Parco Ducale is your haven.

8. Palazzo del Governatore

Constructed in the 1200’s, this historic building served as a major government building for hundreds of years and is designed in a Baroque and Neoclassical style.

You can find this immense building on the Piazza Garibaldi and it spans the whole width of the square – the central bell tower has a large clockface and towers above the surrounding structures.

Inside the structure is the wonderful Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art which provides a fantastic range of modern creations and exhibits that are continually changing.

9. Museo archeologico Nazionale di Parma

Another fine establishment that is located within the Palazzo della Pilotta complex, the National Archaeological Museum was founded in 1790 and has housed a fantastic collection of ancient artefacts and relics ever since.

Today, the extensive collection includes a colossal head of the Greek god Zeus, artefacts from excavations at Palatine Hill, various ancient Egyptian finds and also a collection of Greek Vases and pottery.

Furthermore, there is also a wonderful exhibit of Bronze Age and Iron Age finds that have been collected from the Emilia-Romagna region.

10. Visit Torrechiara

If you are looking for a day trip from Parma, the quite country village of Torrechiara offers a different experience.

This charming village can be reached via car in approximately 35 minutes and is located to the south of Parma – during the journey you will travel through the beautiful Italian countryside.

The main attraction of this village is the amazing Castello di Torrechiara that was constructed in the 1400’s.

This immense structure dwarfs the village and stands proudly on a small hill providing it with panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Whilst the architecture of the castle remains in a brilliant condition, the interior is well preserved too and features several finely decorated rooms including the famous Camera d’Oro (Golden Chamber).

11. The National Gallery of Parma

You can find this hugely impressive art gallery within the confines of the Palazzo della Pilotta complex in the centre of the historic old town.

This collection has been built over time and some of the works have been accumulated since the Renaissance period.

Notable artists included in the exhibits include Leonardi da Vinci, Anthony Van Dyck, Correggio and Canaletto.

For art lovers this fine display is truly monumental and the variety and quality of the works included are wonderful to behold.

12. Teatro Regio

Located next to the Palazzo della Pilotta, the Teatro Regio is another stunning theatre and is still in use today.

Although the exterior of the theatre might look plain, the interior of this structure is simply divine and is one of the finest theatres in the whole of Italy.

With a capacity of 1400, the theatre has an intimate feel and the audience is close to the action.

The circular seating plan is decorated with red velvet and gold trimmings and there are 5 tiers of individual box seats.

Furthermore, the ceiling and walls are packed full of ornate decoration.

13. Orto Botanico di Parma

Maintained by the University of Parma, this botanical garden can be found on the Viale Martiri della Liberta in the centre of the city.

Within the grounds of this beautiful garden you can find a host of different plant and tree species.

Notable variants include various Aquatic Plants such as Butomus Umbellatus, Lemna Minor, and tree species including Ginkgo and Magnolia.

Furthermore there are several different green houses that contain a beautiful selection of tropical plants and tropical fruits.

14. Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata

Another fine church in the centre of Parma, the Shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata features a Renaissance design and is a hugely beautiful building.

Whilst the exterior architecture is symmetrical and features several rounded towers, the interior is quite stunning and has a great amount of colourful frescos and ornate decoration.

Each of the four circular towers contains a ceiling that is covered with golden decoration, but the central dome is the main attraction.

Painted in bright colours with an abundance of blue, the main fresco features a scene of the assention and was partly painted by the notable Parma artist, Bernardino Gatti.

15. Museo Glauco Lombardi

This museum offers a unique insight into the world of the legendary military commander and emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte and his wide Marie.

Located on the Piazza della Pace in the centre of Parma, this museum is a fantastic place to visit during a walking tour of the city and provides a different look at history.

Here you will find a brilliant selection of photographs, artefacts and letters that centre on the commanders personal life and his relationship with his beloved wife – something that is not touched upon and often eclipsed by Napoleons military exploits instead.

15 Best Things to Do in Parma (Italy):

• Parma Cathedral
• Parma Baptistery
• Piazza Garibaldi
• Teatro Farnese
• Church of St. John the Evangelist
• Palazzo della Pilotta
• Parco Ducale
• Palazzo del Governatore
• Museo archeologico Nazionale di Parma
• Visit Torrechiara
• The National Gallery of Parma
• Teatro Regio
• Orto Botanico di Parma
• Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata
• Museo Glauco Lombardi

Is Cleveland’s Little Italy in danger of being loved to death?

• Updated: Aug. 02, 2024, 2:03 p.m.
• | Published: Jul. 30, 2024, 10:10 a.m.

• Steven Litt, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A young woman on a scooter lobbed a verbal hand grenade at a tour group on a hot summer night in Cleveland’s Little Italy two weeks ago.

“This neighborhood is gentrified!” she yelled as she zoomed past 65 people on Random Road who were enjoying a two-hour “ Take a Hike " walking tour of local history and culture.

It wasn’t clear why the woman used the G-word, a pejorative reference to what happens when new people, new money, and rising rents and taxes push longtime residents out of a neighborhood. She didn’t stop to explain. But her statement seemed to crystallize anxieties that permeate Little Italy.

Such worries are grounded in the median price for a home in the neighborhood, which reached $375,000 in 2023, roughly three times the citywide median, according to Redfin.com . A newly built Little Italy house listed in 2021 for $1.5 million . It sold a year later for $1.1 million according to Cuyahoga County records.

Like Tremont, Ohio City and other high-demand neighborhoods, Little Italy is hot. That makes it an exception in a shrinking city that has lost nearly two-thirds of its population since 1950 and two-thirds of its tax base since 1960. But does Little Italy’s popularity mean it’s in danger of being loved to death by newcomers with deep pockets? Is a revered ethnic enclave losing its Italian-ness, its italianità ?

Basil Russo doesn’t think so. A retired lawyer, former City Council president and former judge at the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and Eighth District Ohio Court of Appeals, Russo acknowledges that Little Italy is attracting new upscale residents to its cozy streets.

But he points out that the neighborhood is still largely intact, physically and socially, as a haven of Italian immigrant families and heritage.

Balancing preservation and change

A square-mile in area, the long, thin neighborhood hugs the flank of the Portage Escarpment, the steep hillside that separates Cleveland’s University Circle from the suburb of Cleveland Heights.

Retired jurist and lawyer and former Cleveland City Council president Basil Russo, photography outside Holy Rosary Church in Little Italy, is a passionate advocate for the neighborhood, and Italian American culture and heritage nationally. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

“This neighborhood is iconic,” Russo said recently over a slice of pepperoni pizza and a pecan roll at Presti’s, a century-old eatery and local crossroads.

“You don’t find another community like this anywhere in Northeastern Ohio, anywhere in the state of Ohio, and there are only a handful of neighborhoods like this in the country,” he said.

Little Italy achieved its identity in the late 19th century, with the arrival of immigrants escaping poverty in southern Italian regions, including Catania, Abruzzo, Molise and Sicily, long disrespected by the country’s more prosperous north. Russo’s family members, for example, hailed from small hill towns in Sicily; his wife Patricia’s family came from Abruzzo.

Little Italy’s fortunes declined after World War II, when children and grandchildren of early 20th-century immigrants moved to suburbs. “They couldn’t get out of here fast enough,” Russo said.

The neighborhood revived in the 1980s after the collapse of organized crime. Art walks and other activities improved its image, along with mainstays, such as the annual Feast of the Assumption, which will mark its 125th year on Thursday, August 15 , and the annual Columbus Day Parade, which Russo has chaired for 20 years.

The Feast of the Assumption procession with the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary walks through the Little Italy neighborhood, August 15, 2023. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

New residents include not only leaders of nearby University Circle institutions and doctors working at the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, but also descendants of original families eager to move back into town from suburbia, Russo said.

Little Italy today is a kaleidoscope of old and new. It’s the tolling of bells at Holy Rosary Church. It’s a slice of pizza at Mama Santa’s or pastries and strombolis at Presti’s. It’s matches of bocce at Alta House , the onetime settlement house where immigrants learned English and had their children schooled. It’s arias from Italian operas wafting from storefront doorways.

Presti's Bakery is one of several century-old establishments in Cleveland's Little Italy that contribute to the neighborhood's character and sense of place. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

It’s the sound of cars rumbling over brick paving on Murray Hill Road, laid by immigrant laborers. It’s elderly men sitting under awnings at sidewalk tables, smoking cigars and enjoying il dolce far niente , the sweetness of doing nothing. It’s seeing the Italian tricolor everywhere, along with images and sculptures of the Virgin Mary.

A shrine to the Virgin Mary is flanked by flower pots on a sidewalk outside La Dolce Vita restaurant in Cleveland's Little Italy. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

Coping with new pressures

But change is also apparent. Residents have grown accustomed to a constant flux of Case Western Reserve University students renting apartments. But pitched verbal battles have been fought over big new apartment projects at hearings of the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, which has jurisdiction over the neighborhood as a city historic district.

Controversy erupted in 2017-18 over a proposed apartment block at East 119th Street, opposite the new Red Line rapid transit station built by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Other fights occurred in 2019 over proposed new apartments on Cornell Road, next to the former Barricelli Inn at the corner of Cornell and Murray Hill roads. Both projects were eventually built.

After nearly a decade of controversy, Cleveland's Board of Zoning Appeals approved construction of this transit-oriented apartment building in Cleveland's Little Italy near a rapid transit rail station on Mayfield Road. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

In response, the nonprofit Little Italy Redevelopment Corp . joined with the Cleveland Foundation and community organizations to pay roughly $25,000 to create new design guidelines for the neighborhood, which were recently adopted by the Landmarks Commission.

Diagrams in the guidelines suggest that bulky new projects, such as the five-story La Collina apartments on Murray Hill Road, aren’t a smooth fit.

An image from the new Little Italy design review guidelines uses the La Collina building. in light blue as an example of a building larger than neighboring structures. Courtesy Little Italy Redevelopment Corp.

“It’s a historic district,” said Greg Soltis, a senior designer at RDL architects, which drew up the guidelines. “It’s about understanding what’s appropriate.”

Joe Marinucci , the former executive director of Downtown Cleveland Inc., who now heads the Little Italy Redevelopment Corp., said he’s working on programs to encourage longtime residents to reinvest and stay. Legislation to stabilize residential taxes for seniors could help, especially given increases in Cuyahoga County’s recent countywide reappraisal.

“I’m not aware of actual displacement,” from rising property values and taxes, Marinucci said, but he added: “I’m aware of the concerns.”

A museum brought back to life

Stabilizing the neighborhood isn’t simply a matter of regulating urban design and tax policy. It’s also about preserving cultural identity.

Since his retirement in 2016, Russo, the father of Hollywood filmmakers Anthony and Joseph Russo , has devoted himself to unifying Italian-American organizations nationwide. He persuaded one of them, the Italian Sons & Daughters of America , which he serves as president, to invest in reviving the Italian American Museum of Cleveland .

Pamela Dorazio Dean is the curator of Italian American History at the Western Reserve Historical Society and director, Italian American Museum of Cleveland. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

The museum, which had closed in 2007, reopened in 2021 in a storefront at 12111 Mayfield Road, under the leadership of Pamela Dorazio Dean , curator of Italian American History at the Western Reserve Historical Society. It was Dean who led the “Take a Hike” tour disrupted by the woman on the scooter who shouted about gentrification.

Cleveland artist F.W. Simmons painted "A Daughter of Little Italy'' around 1900. It's on display in the Italian American Museum of Cleveland. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

Organized by the Historic Gateway Development Corp., the tours have exploded in popularity, sometimes drawing more than 100 participants. Italian-Americans across the region want to reconnect with family roots. Other visitors want to dig deeper into the history of a neighborhood they love, Dean said.

Exhibits in the museum include stonecutting tools used by immigrant artisans, who built monuments at nearby Lakeview Cemetery and fashioned landmarks, such as the towering Guardians of Traffic at the east and west ends of the Hope Memorial Bridge. The sculptures inspired the new name of the MLB Guardians, formerly the Indians.

The "Trinacria'' symbol painted on a vintage 1920s Sicilian cart at the Italian American Museum of Cleveland refers to the three-pointed shape of the Italian island region. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

Other exhibits include an elaborate Carretto Siciliano , a Sicilian cart, vintage photos of processions during the Feast of the Assumption, and reverential displays devoted to Joseph Carabelli (1850-1911), who established the Lakeview Granite and Monumental Works.

Persecution and struggle

Dean, who holds a master’s degree in public history from Kent State University, emphasizes that Little Italy is Italian-American, not Italian. The neighborhood embodies immigration, but also assimilation and adaptation, which wasn’t always easy.

Dean’s tour included a description of the 1891 lynching of 11 Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans, who were considered non-white in the Jim Crow South. The atrocity, for which the mayor of New Orleans officially apologized in 2019 , was one of the largest mass lynchings in American history. Then-president Benjamin Harrison established Columbus Day in 1892 to make amends and fight the demonization of immigrants.

Pamela Dorazio Dean, curator of Italian American History at the Western Reserve Historical Society and director, Italian American Museum of Cleveland, led a "Take a Hike" tour of the East Side neighborhood on Monday, July 15. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

The Italian American museum is part of a movement supported by Russo to push back against efforts to characterize Columbus as a European colonizer bent on wiping out indigenous populations.

The denigration of Columbus has motivated Italian-American communities nationwide to show that Italian immigrants arrived in large numbers long after Columbus and were, themselves, persecuted in the name of preserving white racial purity, Russo said.

The complexity of Italian-American history resonates today amid bitter debates over immigration at the southern U.S. border. In a sense, Little Italy is a living laboratory of what it means to maintain a sense of ethnic identity in a nation whose motto is E Pluribus Unum .

Living the history

Retired restaurateur Robert “Bobby” Fatica says he’s living Little Italy’s history himself. The grandson of a stonemason from Oratino in Molise, Italy’s smallest region, he was a co-owner of the Primo Vino restaurant in a two-story building at East 126th Street and Mayfield Road for 35 years.

He and his partner sold the property in 2017 to a developer who planned to build condominiums. The cleared site, opposite Alta House, awaits redevelopment.

Robert Fatica, whose Primo Vino restaurant was a mainstay in Cleveland's Little Italy for decades, says change is inevitable in the beloved Cleveland neighborhood. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

Fatica and his sister also recently sold the house on East 123rd Street, where their late mother lived until her death. The buyer was a medical professional, not of Italian descent, Fatica said.

Despite rising property taxes, Fatica resists leaving his longtime Little Italy home, where he lives with his wife, Heidi, and a garage full of inherited furniture and mementoes.

“This is my heart and my soul,’’ he said of the neighborhood. “I don’t think you can stop development and stop change. You just have to nurture change.”

New life for a derelict theater

Terry Tarantino, owner of La Dolce Vita, the iconic restaurant at Mayfield and Murray Hill, is doing his best to preserve Little Italy’s character by staging opera night concerts, with soloists singing arias and Broadway tunes.

Live opera performances are part of the summer at Little Italy's La Dolce Vita restaurant, located diagonally across Mayfield Road from the landmark Holy Rosary church. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

“I try to keep my place as authentic as possible,” he said. “My family has been in the neighborhood over 120 years.”

But Tarantino’s view of Little Italy isn’t backward looking and nostalgic. As the owner of the long vacant Mayfield movie theater uphill on Murray Hill Road from La Dolce Vita, he said he hopes to close a deal for $3.5 million to $4.5 million later this year to bring the property back to life.

The long dormant Mayfield Theater on Mayfield Road in Cleveland's Little Italy has been a subject of speculation and hope for decades. Steven Litt, cleveland.com

“We want to use it for events — a facility that could house and feed up to 300 people for events, weddings, whatever,” he said.

The impetus for transforming the theater is none other than demand created by the arrival of newcomers in Little Italy. “Because of all the apartments and facilities in the neighborhood, we want to use it to accommodate people that need amenities,” he said.

Will it happen? “I’m in a very serious mode with developers right now,” he said. “I am more than optimistic, almost like guaranteed.”

It’s hard to know what the woman on the scooter would think about Tarantino’s project. But, given the neighborhood’s high visibility, it’s a sure bet she won’t be the only one to judge the outcome. Too many people, including the crowds flocking to the increasingly popular Take a Hike tours, love Little Italy.

More urban planning stories by Steven Litt

• Latest plans for downtown Cleveland lakefront show city could revamp Shoreway with or without Browns Stadium
• Former Cleveland Medical Mart becomes what it was always meant to be: part of city’s convention center – Commentary
• Whew! Bedrock and Cleveland wisely dump a troubling centerpiece idea from Cuyahoga riverfront plan — Commentary
• Port of Cleveland receives $5M state grant to repair, upgrade lakefront iron ore conveyor system
• How should Metroparks spend $8M to improve southern portion of Gordon Park?

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