Parma and its river

The river Parma in winter

This where the history of Parma started.

In 183 B.C. the Romans chose this site in the plain to found a new colony on the banks of the river Parma because of its strategic position between the river Po in the north and the Appenines in the south. They set out the city on a grid system which is still recognisable and makes it simple to find your way around.

Nowadays you can reach Parma by car, rail or plane and it is an ideal city to visit on foot as the main tourist attractions are within easy walking distance.

The river has always played a central role in the city history, shaping it. Lungoparma (literally “along the Parma”) is the nineteenth century scenic string of avenues skirting the river and the Oltretorrente (literally “beyond the river”) is the area on the west bank of the river.

A view of the picturesque Oltretorrente houses overlooking the river

La Parma, as locals call the river – in the feminine - actually is an intermittent stream, i.e. a torrent, and its flow depends on the amount of rainfall.

The river offers a home to birds and wildlife

The river bed is a sort of nature reserve inside the city and it offers a home to wildlife, especially to birds like blackbirds, sparrows, doves, pheasants, herons and little egrets.

Contact me for a guided tour of the city.