Parma, Italy

From Bologna we headed to Parma for a few days. Parma is known as the birth place of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Not the processed parmesan cheese that we buy in the shaker bottle from the grocery store. This stuff is the real deal. Northern Italy in general is best known for its cured meats (like prosciutto), cheese, and handmade pasta. This is why people from all over the world come to visit.

Afternoon glass of wine. I really liked the Lambrusco wine from this region. It’s a red wine, but it’s carbonated and served cold which is unique as most red wins are still and served at room temperature.

Whenever you sit down and order a drink in Italy they bring you snacks…for free! Sometimes it’s just some chips and olives. Other times it’s more extensive like this snack plate above.

I really liked the pink and white marble of the baptistery building next to the cathedral.

Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral

The main cathedral in Parma. It’s almost 1000 years old! Construction started in 1074.

The assumption of Mary into heaven. Jesus at the center.

The frescoes depict the life of Jesus and also stories from the Old Testament.

Church of Saint Cristina

Another beautiful church that we stumbled upon while we were walking around.

Heading to dinner

Dinner at LALTRO lato della Forchetta

Pasta with tomato sauce, cheese, and basil

Bike tour to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory

I learned that Parmigiana Reggiano cheese is only made in this region of Italy, and for it to be branded with the Parmigiano Reggiano name every step in the process of manufacturing has to come from this region as well. The cows, the milk, the additives, the factory, etc. Nothing can be outsourced. This type of cheese is then exported all over the world and no other cheese can have this name. FYI for any vegans and vegetarians out there, I found out during the factory tour this cheese is not vegetarian. They use rennet to coagulate the milk which comes from the lining of a baby cow’s stomach 🙁