Parma

Parma is a significant city located in Northern Italy.

It sits within the Emilia-Romagna region. Within this region, Parma is the second most populous city. Only Bologna, the regional capital, has a larger population. As of 2025, the city has 202,111 inhabitants. The city is divided by a stream of the same name. The district on the west side is called Oltretorrente. This name literally means "the other side of the stream."

Human habitation in this area dates back to the Bronze Age. During this period, people built villages known as terramare. These were wooden settlements constructed on piles. They followed a defined, squared scheme on dry land near rivers. Between 1500 BC and 800 BC, the first necropoleis were built. These ancient burial sites are located where Piazza Duomo and Piazzale della Macina stand today. The city's name likely comes from the Etruscans. They may have named it after a parma, which is a circular shield.

The Romans established a colony in 183 BC. They settled 2,000 families in the area. Parma became a vital road hub. It sat upon the Via Aemilia and the Via Claudia. The city featured a forum in the modern Garibaldi Square. History brought many changes to the city's rulers. The Romans rebuilt it after it was destroyed in 43 BC. It later gained the title Julia for its loyalty. Attila sacked the city in 452. Later, the Gothic War saw the city destroyed by Totila.

During the Middle Ages, Parma became a key stop on the Via Francigena. This was the main road connecting Rome to Northern Europe. Many pilgrims traveled this route. They followed the Apennines through Collecchio and Berceto. They crossed the Corchia ranges and the Passo della Cisa. To host these travelers, people built castles, hospitals, and inns. This era also saw a medieval Jewish community. The Palatine Library became home to a massive collection of Hebrew manuscripts. It is the largest collection in Italy. It is the second largest in the world after the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

Political power in Parma shifted frequently through the centuries. In 774, it became a county capital under Frankish rule. The city was often part of the Holy Roman Empire. However, local bishops often held power. Around 1140, an almost independent commune was created. In 1545, the city became a duchy. Pope Paul III gave Parma to his son, Pier Luigi Farnese. The Farnese family ruled until 1731. During this time, the city saw great scientific and cultural growth. A large Jesuit college gained a reputation for science.

The 19th century brought new political structures to the region. Parma was annexed to France during the Napoleonic Wars. It was later restored as a duchy. In 1860, a plebiscite made Parma part of the unified Kingdom of Italy.

This change caused an initial economic crisis. However, the city recovered through industrial growth. New railway connections to Piacenza and Bologna helped trade. The city also became a center for strong trade unions. This led to notable events like the General Strike of 1908.

World War II was a difficult time for the city. Allied bombing targeted the train station and marshalling yards in 1944. Much of the Palazzo della Pilotta was destroyed. The Teatro Farnese and parts of the Palatine Library also suffered. Approximately 21,000 library volumes were lost. Despite this, the city did not face widespread destruction. The partisan resistance helped liberate Parma in April 1945. This happened alongside the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.

Today, Parma is celebrated for many different things. It is famous for its architecture and beautiful art. The city is also a center for music. People visit for its delicious food, such as prosciutto and cheese. The University of Parma is one of the oldest in the world. The city remains a vibrant part of Northern Italy.