Pinterest, you got me…read more After seeing a pretty shot of this library in a Parma top sites to see article on Pinterest, I added it to our hit list. Here's why you should consider visiting Biblioteca Paladins when you're in Parma: 1.) it's free 2.) the ceiling is beautiful both in the main room and adjacent rooms 3.) you're most likely going to pass it anyway as you enter the town on foot from the train station - note that it's somewhat tricky to spot in the sense that it's buried within a building of other museums, etc. at the entrance to Old town 4.) the collection of old books, artifacts and busts on display is impressive 5.) let's face it, you need more cultural activities to add to your hit list with all the face stuffing that goes on in Parma

I wasn't able to view the entire theatre and see it the way it was because they were putting in…read moreextra seats and doing some renovations. That being said, the wood used in the part that I could view is beautiful and the artistic adornments in the theatre are wonderful. It would be grand to view some kind of performance here.

This beautiful theatre was built entirely in wood by Aleotti, a pupil of Palladio, for the Farnese…read morefamily in the 17th century. It was built to celebrate the visit of Cosimo II de Medici to Parma. At one time it was the largest theatre in the world (4,500 seats) and it became an example for its uniqueness, from the moving scenery to devices which could lift actors high into the air. It was even possible to flood the theatre with water so that nautical scenes and battles could be staged! Definitely to be seen if you're in Parma - I loved coming here.

Dedicated to showcasing Roman and Egyptian antiquities, the Archaeological Museum of Parma has…read moreeverything you want from those eras...beautiful marble statues, mummies, hieroglyphic stone carvings, old Roman coins... Unfortunately, this is also a very small museum and absolutely dwarfed by other larger and more famous museums in Italy with similar artifacts. Still, since admission here is part of the ticket package you get for getting into the much grander National Gallery, consider this location icing on the cake. TIP: You can leave your backpack and other personal belongings here in a personal locker.