Parma is of ancient origins and it is supposed to have been already populated in the Bronze Age.
Parma's ancestors were the Etruscans but its name derives from the Latin word "parma" which means shield, because

the town, separated into two parts by Torrente Parma, looks like a shield. The nucleus of the town is Piazza del Duomo e del Battistero, which are two authentic masterpieces. The Cathedral burnt to the ground twice and was rebuilt after the year one thousand. A gothic bell-tower was added onto the building after the earthquake in 1117 and it still exists to these days. The construction of the Battistero started in 1196; it was built in red marble from Verona, which was carried along the River Po and a ship canal, which reached Piazza Duomo. The monument has an octagonal plan, three portals decorated with marvellous sculptures and four levels of arches.

The interior , which is a sixteen sided polygon, is decorated by Antelami and his school's sculptures.
The XXII century frescos on the upper niches and on the dome are of extreme artistic value.
Not to mention the "Palazzo della Pilotta", the "Teatro Farnese" commissioned by the Farnese dynasty; the "Teatro Regio" commissioned by Maria Luigia, the Duchess of Parma, the "Camera di San Paolo" which has a wonderful vault frescoed by Correggio and, in the outskirts of Parma, you can find Master Giuseppe Verdi's home in which he was born.

THE "VAL PARMA"

A delightful scenery of unspoilt woods, free flowing streams and clean air called the Val Parma is located just outside Parma.
This is the land of Parma ham: it is only here that Parma ham acquires that aroma and unforgettable taste that has made it an internationally renowned product.
The Val Parma woods and the lands of the River Po have made Parma and its region a true "Food Valley".