The region features a cornucopia of cobbled streets with impressive architecture (Image: Getty)
Looking to beat the crowds while still receiving all the charm and beauty of places similar to and , then look no further than Parma.
Known as the best kept secret, this region provides compact streets filled with awe-inspiring architecture and eateries like no other.
In fact, Parma is home to global culinary sensations such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese including prosciutto.
Found in the heart of Italy’s Food Valley, this Italian gem of a spot is known as a food lover’s paradise but that’s not all.
The region features a cornucopia of cobbled streets with impressive architecture and colourful buildings, making it well-worth a stop on your next Italian adventure.
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Parma is famed for its gastronomy including its mouth-watering cheeses (Image: Getty)
Parma is ideal for those who love a good stroll and wonder thanks to its compactness which is easily explored via foot.
Walking through Parma you can either choose to head north towards the River Po which is the longest river in Italy and head to Zibello, following the trail of the famed Culatello.
Head south and you’re taken into the foothills of the Apennines towards the capital of Prosciutto, Langhirano.
Regardless of which direction you take you’ll be filled with the most enticing aromas of mouth-watering foods coming from quaint cafes and restaurants beckoning you in.
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The city of Parma is compact making walking around this stunning region easily done by foot (Image: Getty)
This Italian spot is a relatively small city with only 180,000 inhabitants which owes to the region’s openness and less crowds than most other European places.
Visitors will be spoiled for choice in Parma when it comes to grand castles with the region and its neighbour Piacenza being home to more than 30 of them.
The Torrechiaro castle at Langhirano is said to be the most beautiful and like stepping into a fairytale.
Notable sights to visit in Parma include a Gothic-style building made of pink marble known as Battistero di Parma, a historic building complex that includes the National Gallery, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Teatro Farnese known as Palazzo della Pilotta or the historical palace known as Teatro Farnese.
Other must-visit spots in Parma include Cathedral of Parma, Church of San Giovanni Evangelista and a cheese factory called the Caseificio San Pier Damiani.
This Italian spot is a relatively small city with only 180,000 inhabitants (Image: Getty)
One of Parma’s most spectacular sights is found in the city’s cathedral known as Teatro Regio.
The theatre was built in the early 19th century by Marie-Louise, who was the second wife of Napoleon and was the Duchess of Parma for more than three decades.
One wrote of Parma on TripAdvisor saying: “During our visit in Parma we spent some valuable time in some wonderful cathedrals. There are so many astounding frescoes, sculptures plus stained glass windows, that you will not know where to look first.”
Another simply added: “Absolutely stunning.”