A Day Around Parma Between Ham, Culatello and Castles

Parma is a historic city in north-western Italy, strategically located between Milan, Bologna, and the Ligurian coast. Thanks to excellent rail connections, motorways, and the nearby Verdi Airport, Parma is easy to reach for short breaks as well as longer food-focused journeys.

This accessibility makes Parma an ideal base for a long weekend dedicated to exploring some of Italy’s finest food traditions, medieval castles, and aristocratic palaces scattered across the surrounding countryside.

If you are planning your itinerary, this article fits within our main planning guide: How to Plan Your Trip to Parma.

The Castle of Torrechiara and Parma Ham Country

Heading south from Parma, just 30 minutes by car, you reach the magnificent Castle of Torrechiara, one of the most important medieval fortresses in the region. Once owned by the Rossi family, the castle now functions as a museum and offers panoramic views over the Parma river valley.

The highlight of the visit is the famous “Camera d’Oro”, the bedroom dedicated to Pier Maria Rossi’s lover, Bianca. Beyond the castle itself, this area is also the heart of Prosciutto di Parma production.

The nearby town of Langhirano is home to some of the best ham producers in Italy, many of whom welcome visitors. A unique experience is staying at a local castle B&B and dining at Locanda del Castello, a restaurant specialising in traditional Parma cuisine.

Explore accommodation and activity packages in the Parma countryside

Farm Stays and Parmigiano Reggiano Production

For a deeper rural experience, staying at a farm near Parma allows visitors to combine relaxation with food discovery. In areas such as Lesignano de’ Bagni, guests can wake up to a farmhouse breakfast and then visit a working Parmigiano Reggiano dairy.

This area also lies close to traditional balsamic vinegar producers, making it possible to explore three iconic products — Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, and balsamic vinegar — within a single short stay.

Colorno: “Little Paris” and Culatello Country

North of Parma lies Colorno, once known as “Little Paris” due to its elegant riverside setting and French influence during the Napoleonic period. The town was home to Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma and wife of Napoleon, who resided in the magnificent Ducal Palace.

The Ducal Palace of Colorno is a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture and can be visited with guided tours. The surrounding English-style gardens are freely accessible during daylight hours.

Colorno is also one of the gateways to Culatello di Zibello production. Many producers in the area offer cellar visits — simply follow the Culatello road signs and enquire locally.

Polesine Parmense and Antica Corte Pallavicina

Continuing north toward the Po River, you arrive at Polesine Parmense. The highlight here is Antica Corte Pallavicina, a historic estate restored by Massimo Spigaroli, one of the most respected custodians of Culatello traditions.

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The palace sits directly on the banks of the Po and houses vast brick cellars filled with ageing culatelli. Visitors can tour the cellars, join cooking classes, participate in ham-making sessions, or stay overnight in the elegantly restored rooms.

Roccabianca

Roccabianca, literally “the white castle”, rises from the flatlands near the Po River. Built by Pier Maria Rossi for Bianca, it is one of the most atmospheric castles in the area, with ivy-covered courtyards and a distinctly romantic character.

Roccabianca is also associated with the Italian writer Giovannino Guareschi, creator of Don Camillo and Peppone. His house can be visited, offering cultural insight alongside culinary discovery.

As elsewhere in this region, Culatello is produced locally and can often be tasted directly from small producers.

Zibello

Zibello is the historic home of Culatello di Zibello and the headquarters of its consortium. Every November, the town hosts the famous November Porc festival, entirely dedicated to pork specialities.

The festival’s slogan — “Speriamo che ci sia la nebbia” (“We hope it will be foggy”) — reflects the belief that fog and humidity are essential to the proper curing of Culatello.

Soragna

In Soragna, visitors will again find the perfect combination of castle and cured meat. The town centre is characterised by elegant porticoes, while the Rocca di Soragna remains inhabited by descendants of the Lupi family.

Guided visits can be organised, and Culatello producers are located nearby.

San Secondo Parmense

San Secondo Parmense is famous for Spalla di San Secondo, a cooked pork shoulder traditionally served warm with torta fritta. Together, they offer a deeply satisfying local experience.

Local wines such as Fortana or Fortanina pair particularly well with these dishes — light, fruity, and perfect for foggy evenings in the Po Valley.

Cycling Along the Po River from Parma

The Po River area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and walking. The terrain is flat and accessible, making routes suitable for most fitness levels.

Visitors can rent bicycles locally and combine cycling with boat navigation on the river, often including a stop in Cremona. These itineraries frequently include visits to Culatello producers along the way.