Italy’s capital of culture: Parma

The cultural scope of the beautiful Italian Peninsula never ceases to amaze people all over the world. But the possibility of getting to know the traditions and peculiarities of many Italian gems has been drastically reduced since the pandemic hit. Among such treasures is Parma, a delicate city set in the very heart of Italy. Beyond being the capital of iconic food such as Parmigiano and Prosciutto, Parma is a city of incredible cultural heritage that gained the prestigious title of “Italian Capital of Culture for the year 2020” but had to put a year-long calendar of events on hold due to the pandemic. 

Eighteen months later, the city is ready to celebrate its cultural heritage with the world on Google Arts & Culture. The collaboration between the Municipality of Parma and Google brought online the work of 33 institutional partners in the Parma area, including over 17,000 images from the archives of the municipal museums, 30 places digitized with Street View and much more. It’s a  project of true cultural valorization that highlights the magic behind this city.

Travel to Italy from home and check out some of Parma’s wonders. Explore the masterpieces, enjoy the sound of music and get a taste of that Italian cuisine:

1. Deep into a towering dome: Step inside and see the details of a 27-meters-high dome like you’ve never seen before and learn about the artist Correggio’s devotion to the Benedectine congregation.

2. Get your artists in place: Thanks to the Google Art Camera, the online experience faithfully reproduces over 200 masterpieces by international artists such as Picasso, Francis Bacon, Goya, Monet and Tiziano Vecellio but also by Italian artists including Ligabue, De Chirico, Boccioni, Filippo Lippi and Parmigianino. 

3. 300,000 bamboo plants: Did you know Parma holds the largest existing labyrinth in the world? Labirinto della Masone was created by the visionary mind of Franco Maria Ricci. It is composed of 300,000 bamboo plants and is considered a magical place, all waiting to be discovered!  

4. Music to your ears: The land of renowned musicians Verdi and Toscanini, Parma is a favorite destination for opera lovers, who can now immerse themselves in a collection of 10,000 stage photographs, sketches and posters from the newly digitized Casa della Musica(literally “House of Music) archives. Several museums are now online, with the goal of bringing the history of sound reproduction to all ears. 

5. No stereotypes when it comes to food: Known worldwide for Parmigiano Reggiano, the digital hub also features the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum to discover all about the history of one of the world’s most loved cheeses. 

6. Did you say Pasta?: “Pasta” is synonymous with Italy so of course the online hub also includes the famous Pasta Museum to virtually transport you from the wheat fields to the traditional Italian household to make pasta. Check it out to truly understand the role that this type of food has played and continues to play in gastronomy, art, culture and in the lives of people around the world.

• The painting portrays a noblewoman from the 16th century with soft but rich tones. She is carrying a feathered fan. Her gaze is enigmatic and directed to the observer.

  Get to know the enigmatic noblewomanportrayed by Parmigianino, master of Mannerism.

• The image is a full view of the fresco that decorates the Church's dome. 27-metres-high, surrounded by a golden light, the Second Coming of Christ is portrayed, surrounded by the Apostles.

  Zoom in and see the details of the San Giovanni Evangelista dome, just as the Italian Master Correggio did back in 1520.

• Almost shaped like a star, this maze is entirely made of bamboo trees and from this aerial view, you can spot the Masone Pyramid at the very center.

  Get lost in the largest maze existing in the world with over 300.000 bamboo plants.

• Fresh pasta gets dried by hanging on special racks. Here pictured a golden wall of drying spaghetti at the Pasta Museum.

  A commercial directed by Fellini, a story about the colander, a series of recipe books: it’s all about pasta!

• A view from the point of view of the stage, to appreciate the five orders and full seating of this opera theater. The arena is glowing thanks to a majestic chandelier.

  Discover the opera lovers’favourite stage.

The journey into the beauty of Parma doesn't end here. Continue to discover the wonders of the Capital of Culture 2020 and 2021and let yourself be amazed by the art, music and culture of the city.  

Want to continue traveling to Italy from home? Look behind the curtain of one of the world’s greatest and oldest theaters, La Scala Theater in Milan or take a virtual tour of some of Italy’s most iconic sites through the “Wonders of Italy” experience. 

This and so much more, on Google Arts & Culture and on the Google Arts & Culture app foriOS and Android

by Luisella MazzaGoogle Arts & Culture via The Keyword