Parma, a city of refined culture and elegance, was the capital of the duchy of the Farnese dynasty from 1545 to 1859 and became a reference point in Italy and Europe as a centre of arts, economy and culture.

Under the patronage of the Duchess Marie Louise, widow of Napoleon, Parma underwent a further period of cultural and architectural development, superbly described by Stendhal.

The National Gallery houses works by Beato Angelico, Leonardo Da Vinci, Correggio, El Greco and Parmigianino and the masterpieces of the local Parma school.

In the year 2001, Parma, city of rooted music tradition, celebrated the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi, being the famous composer born in Roncole di Busseto.

The gastronomic tradition of this city is world-wide known because of the Parma ham, the "Parmigiano Reggiano" cheese and other specialities like the famous "culatello".
This leadership in the food & wine sector is well evidenced by the presence of the principal Italian foodstuff industries and by CIBUS, the most important Italian trade fair in the food business sector

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