PARMA From Roman roots to Renaissance brilliance
4 days | Coming soon! | 18 - 21 May 2027
From Roman roots to Renaissance brilliance
From the Romans to the Romantics, the city of Parma has a rich cultural history. It is the setting for Stendhal’s novel The Charterhouse of Parma and the birthplace of Verdi and Toscanini. It is renowned for its gastronomy, notably its prosciutto (ham) and Parmesan cheese, and for its violets, introduced by Duchess Maria Luigia of Austria, Napoleon’s second wife, for whom Parma Violet perfume was created. Parma is no less rich in artistic treasures. It boasts a magnificent Romanesque cathedral and Baptistery, decorated by the great early medieval sculptor Benedetto Antelami. In the early sixteenth century, Parma was home to Correggio and Parmigianino, two of the most original painters of the Renaissance. Until the twentieth century Correggio was arguably more famous than Leonardo da Vinci; a visit to Parma helps to explain why, affording a unique opportunity to experience first-hand his ground-breaking ceiling paintings in the city’s convents and churches. From 1545-1731 Parma was ruled by the Farnese, the descendants of Pope Paul III, who created the Duchy of Parma for his illegitimate son. The vast Farnese palace, the Pilotta, now home to the city’s art collection, boasts an impressive late Renaissance theatre, the Teatro Farnese. The surrounding countryside offers further delights. Among these is the fifteenth-century castle of Torrechiara, nestling among pretty vineyards, with its dazzling Camera d’Oro, a rare survival of Early Renaissance secular decoration, glorifying the owner’s love for his mistress; the castle of Fontanellato, wittily frescoed in mannerist style by the young Parmigianino. This Art Pursuits tour explores the artistic legacy of Parma through the masterpieces of Correggio and Parmigianino, alongside its rich musical heritage and Renaissance splendour.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 1
Fly from London to Bologna and transfer by coach to Modena. After an independent lunch we study the exquisite Romanesque architecture and sculpture of the cathedral and visit the Galleria Estense with works by El Greco, Guido Reni and Bernini, to mention just a few. Continue to Parma to check in to our hotel and enjoy a group meal together.
Day 2
In the morning we explore the Romanesque centre of Parma on foot: Piazza del Duomo, the octagonal Baptistery with its wealth of Romanesque sculpture and late mediaeval murals. We also visit the ambitious dome of San Giovanni Evangelista and finish with the 1000-year-old cathedral and its astonishing, proto-Baroque dome of the Cathedral. After an independent lunch we travel by coach to the hamlet of Torrechiara, nestling in the pretty hills of the Colli di Parma, the area’s prime wine-growing region, to visit the 15th-century Castello di Torrechiara, a World Heritage Site, with its splendidly decorated rooms. The highlight is the ravishing Camera d’Oro, depicting scenes of courtly love – a rare survival of early Renaissance secular art by the Milanese painter Benedetto Bembo, celebrating the love of Pier Maria de’ Rossi, Lord of Sanvitale, for his mistress. (Please note there is an uphill walk for approximately ten minutes to the castle). Return to Parma for an independent evening.
Day 3
Coach excursion to Fidenza on the Via Francigena to study the Romanesque sculpture of the duomo. Continue to the small town of Fontanellato, to visit another of the region’s jewel-like Renaissance castles, the Rocca di Fontanellato, seat of the Sanvitale lords. Here Parmigianino frescoed a stylish room with the myth of Diana, his earliest masterpiece. After an independent lunch return to Parma where we will focus on Correggio’s revolutionary ceiling paintings, the playful illusionism of the Camera di San Paolo (an abbess’s parlour). Enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 4
In the morning, check out and visit on foot the complex of Palazzo Pilotta, the vast palace of the Dukes of Parma, which houses the magnificent early 17th-century Teatro Farnese, and the Pinacoteca Nazionale, with masterpieces by Leonardo, Correggio and Parmigianino. Coach transfer to airport for our return flight to London.
Hotel Sina Maria Luigia
The Sina Maria Luigia is an elegant hotel located in the heart of Parma, just a short walk from the historic centre. Known for blending classic Italian style with modern comfort, the hotel features welcoming public spaces and rooms decorated with marble floors, artworks, and a mix of traditional and contemporary design. Guests can enjoy regional Emilian cuisine at the on-site restaurant Maxim’s and relax in the lounge or bar.
With Flights: TBC
Join Direct: TBC
Single Supp: TBC
Deposit: TBC
Departure Dates:
18 - 21 May 2027
Duration:
3 nights / 4 days
Your Holiday Includes:
- Return flights (Economy class) from London to Bologna
- Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Sina Maria Luigia
- Private coach transfers and excursions
- Two evening meals
- Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
- Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
- Detailed programme and study notes
- All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
Tour Lecturer
Clare Ford-Wille
Clare Ford-Wille is an independent art historian. She has led study tours to Europe and the USA. Clare has lectured on European art, architecture and sculpture for more than thirty years, primarily for the University of London, the National Gallery, the V&A, Morley College and the Arts Society. She has also contributed to several academic guides.
Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.
Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.
Stamina
Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.
