NATURE TRAIL: A WALK IN THE OPEN AIR AMIDST THE GREENERY OF PARMA’S PARK

Parma, confirming the meticulous attention to the environment that distinguishes the town and its citizens, is a city that offers the public beautiful natural areas: true green oases that, despite the many ducal attractions, historic architecture and characteristic narrow streets, are certainly not to be missed.

Life in Parma has always been characterised by daily walks, accompanied by loved ones or simply an MP3 player, allowing anyone who wants to discover these fantastic places to do so while relaxing and enjoying the clean air of nature. In fact, many people, from young children to lovers of long hikes, take advantage of the beautiful spring and summer days (but also winter and autumn days) to visit the most beautiful nature parks nestled in the city of Parma, parks that are included in this themed itinerary.

One figure who has been a constant presence in the history of Parma is undoubtedly Giuseppe Verdi, but not only for his music. There is a special connection between the “Swan of Busseto” and nature: he was a great lover of natural spaces, rural landscapes and moments of solitary contemplation in the parks and vineyards that he had built according to his own specifications. Verdi’s musicality and nature are therefore certainly not antithetical themes in the city of Parma, which offers these splendid parks to visitors who wish to explore Verdi’s roots and traditions outside the opera houses.

The route starts at the vast Ducal Park, in Largo Luca Ganzi 3, and continues southwards to the splendid Cittadella Park. It then proceeds to Bizzozero Park, located on the SP16 provincial road, and Giacomo Ferrari Park, on Strada Antonio Zarotto. Visitors can stop here as needed before continuing on to Falcone and Borsellino Park and 1^st May’s Park, on Viale Barilla. Once the visit is over, visitors can return to the starting point and take advantage of Corale Verdi’s Bistrot, adjacent to Ducal Park, to enjoy some of the dishes on the menu, in complete relaxation after a long immersion in the greenery of Parma.

Main themes: naturalistic, landscaping
Mode: on foot / by bike
Duration: 3 h
Indications:
– Type of excursion: loop trail
– Difficulty: easy
– Length: 8,2 km
– Height difference: 26 m ascent, 26m descent

Route stage
Start: Ducal Park (Largo Luca Ganzi 3, Parma).
In the heart of the historic centre, in the Oltretorrente district, lies the enchanting greenery of Ducal Park, commissioned by Duke Ottavio Farnese, who in the mid-16th century began to purchase land in Oltretorrente near the “Castello” and commissioned the architect Vignola to design its layout. In 1561, Vignola designed the Duke’s garden, drawing inspiration from the green architecture of Roman villas. However, over the centuries, the garden underwent significant renovations, reflecting the prevailing tastes of the time. In 1690, on the occasion of the wedding between Odoardo Farnese and Dorotea Sofia di Neuburg, the fishpond was dug, which still exists today, with a small island in the centre on which the Trianon Fountain was placed in 1920. In the mid-18th century, with the extinction of the Farnese family, the park fell into a state of disrepair and neglect; the management of the works was entrusted to the French court architect Ennemond-Alexandre Petitot. The park thus took on a typically French character that can still be seen today. The redevelopment and renovation work was completed with the installation of ten marble statues and the small temple of Arcadia. Further changes and the creation of “English-style” areas took place during the duchy of Marie Louise of Austria, until the large park became municipal property and was opened to the public in 1866 after the unification of Italy.

Stage 1: Cittadella Park (Via Passo Buole, Parma).
This is a vast park that occupies the interior spaces and part of the moat of the ancient pentagonal fortress built at the end of the 16th century by engineers Giovanni Antonio Stirpio de’ Brunelli and Genesio Bresciani at the behest of Duke Alessandro Farnese. It has two entrances: the main one, to the north towards the city, characterised by a monumental Carrara marble façade, and the secondary one to the south, also known as “Porta del Soccorso”, with five bastions. Today, it is very popular thanks to its sports fields, running track, children’s play areas and green areas for relaxation. There is also a bar, a dog area and a fountain.

Stage 2: Bizzozero Park (Strada Provinciale SP16, Parma).
Created in the early 2000s on the former farmland that stretched around Via Bizzozero, it is criss-crossed by various footpaths and cycle paths and is also known as “Parco del Dono” (Gift Park) due to the presence of a playground suitable for people with disabilities. It also features the “Giardino dei Sensi” (Garden of the Senses), a space dedicated to the visually impaired and consisting of three areas: smell, taste-touch and hearing.

Stage 3: Giacomo Ferrari Park (Strada Antonio Zarotto, Parma).
This city park is located in the Cittadella neighborhood. It features large green spaces and is crossed by a cycle path lined with benches. There is also a children’s play area equipped with slides, swings and a fountain, a kiosk bar, sports fields, a dog park and the “Ludobimbo” playground, with large equipped areas and a track for electric quad bikes.

Stage 4: Falcone and Borsellino Park (Via Mantova, Parma).
The large green area that runs alongside the initial stretch of Via Mantova is connected by paths that can be travelled on foot or by bicycle and is surrounded by new residential developments. The park includes children’s playgrounds, wooden benches and tables, a fountain and a dog area. It has a path that can be travelled on foot or by bicycle until you reach the next stop.

Stage 5: 1^st May’s Park (Viale Barilla, Parma).
Better known as Ex Eridania Park, named after the sugar factory that was converted in 2001 by architect Renzo Piano into the Niccolò Paganini Auditorium, which stands among the trees and benches, it is also characterised by long pools, now restored, filled with water lilies and flanked by wooden walkways, once used for washing sugar beets.

Arrive: Ducal Park (Largo Luca Ganzi 3, Parma).

Useful tips: To make the most of this itinerary, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing plenty of water, a hat in summer if it is sunny, and layered clothing depending on the temperature. To enjoy lunch at Bistrot Corale Verdi, next to Parco Ducale in Vicolo Asdente 9, please call 3208648480 for more information or to make a reservation (Sito web: https://bistrotcoraleverdi.eatbu.com/?lang=en).