The official language of the Food Integrity 2017 Conference is English 
WHAT TO SEE: OUTSIDE TOWN
A walk in Parma’s Province
If you happen to have a day off the conference, you may like to take a relaxing trip and explore the outskirts and territories of Parma. Here is some general information about their highlights.
BUSSETO AND THE VERDI MUSEUM
Busseto lies deep in the lowlands of the province of Parma. This pleasant and quiet town owes its fame to its fairest citizen, the Opera composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813 – 1901). Several institutions and museums in Busseto are devoted to history of music, Opera and the great musician himself, as Villa Verdi (Giuseppe Verdi’s estate) or the Verdi Museum, which is located within an impressive Renaissance palace.
How to get there
The journey from Parma to Busseto requires almost an hour by car or bus.
By car – Follow the main road Via Emilia Ovest, N/W direction (Milano – Piacenza).
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Fontanellato – Busseto leaves from the railway station in Parma at 7.23, 11.23, 12.40 am and 5.23 pm on every weekday. The route could require a change of bus.
For further information about the town, its highlights and museums, including locations and opening times, please visit:
http://www.bussetolive.com/en/
SORAGNA AND ITS FORTRESS
This charming medieval fortress has been the main estate of a local aristocratic family for centuries: inside, the fortress holds an impressive series of frescos and artworks from many different eras.
The village of Soragna is also home of the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Museum (see last point).
How to get there
The journey from Parma to Soragna requires about one hour by bus or car.
By car – Follow the main road Via Emilia Ovest, N/W direction (Milano – Piacenza).
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Fontanellato – Soragna – Busseto leaves from the railway station in Parma at 7.23, 11.23, 12.40 am and 5.23 pm on every week day. The route could require a change of bus.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.roccadisoragna.it/?lang=en
THE SAN VITALE FORTRESS IN FONTANELLATO
An imposing castle, built in the 14th century; a lovely aristocratic estate. It holds many interesting pieces of antique furniture and an important collection of paintings.
How to get there
The journey from Parma to Fontanellato requires about 35 minutes by bus or car.
By car – Follow the main road Via Emilia Ovest, N/W direction (Milano – Piacenza)
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Fontanellato – Soragna – Busseto leaves from the railway station in Parma at 7.23, 11.23, 12.40 am and 5.23 pm on every week day. The route could require a change of bus.
For further information about visits, prices and opening times, please visit: http://www.castellidelducato.it/castellidelducato/default.asp?sLang=EN
THE DUCAL PALACE OF COLORNO
Some like to call it the “tiny Versailles”. In fact, this early 18th century palace offers a majestic sight with its imposing façade and richly decorated gardens and interiors. Since 2004, the palace is also the proud home of ALMA, the International school of Italian cuisine.
How to get there
The journey from Parma to Colorno requires about 25 minutes by bus or car.
By car – Follow Via Mantova, N/E direction (Mantova).
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Colorno – Mezzano Inferiore leaves from the railway station in Parma at 7.07, 12.52 am, 1.35 and 5.40 pm.
For further information about prices, visits and opening times, please visit:
http://reggiadicolorno.it/en/
CASTLE OF TORRECHIARA
This 15th century castle is one of the best preserved ones in the whole region. It is set on a high hill overlooking the Parma valley; a delightful late-medieval village surrounds its massive four towers, offering a lovely view to the visitor who approaches the castle from the main road on its left. The view from inside the castle is just as beautiful, from the tiny gardens, which suddenly appear between the walls to the wide, green hills in the distance. The fresco decoration within the castle rooms is also really peculiar.
How to get there
The journey form Parma to Torrechiara requires about 25 minutes by bus or car.
By car – Follow S/W direction on the main road Via Langhirano.
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Langhirano leaves from the railway station every hour.
For further information about prices, visits and opening times, please visit:
http://www.turismo.comune.parma.it/en/thematic-channels/discover-the-area/art-and-culture/castles-towers-bell-towers/castle-of-torrechiara?set_language=en
THE FOOD MUSEUMS
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, tomatoes, ham, salami… Parma and its territories have always been proud of their old and famous culinary specialities. Some products are true highlights in the local culture and economy, appreciated traditions that deserve to be celebrated and displayed in proper structures: the food museums offer visitors a complete journey through the history, productive processes and distinctive features of our favourite delicacies!
To find out more about the food museums, you can visit their webpages:
Parmigiano – Reggiano cheese museum (Soragna)
http://www.museidelcibo.it/Ing/parmigiano.asp
The Tomato Museum (Collecchio)
http://www.museidelcibo.it/Ing/pomodoro.asp
The Pasta Museum (Collecchio)
http://turismo.comune.parma.it/en/thematic-channels/flavors/food-and-wine-factories/pasta-museum?set_language=en
The Ham and cured meat museum (Langhirano)
http://www.museidelcibo.it/Ing/prosciutto.asp
Salami museum (Felino)
http://www.museidelcibo.it/Ing/salame.asp
Wine museum (Sala Baganza)
http://turismo.comune.parma.it/en/thematic-channels/flavors/food-and-wine-factories/wine-museum?set_language=en
VALSERENA ABBEY AND CSAC ARCHIVE
This impressive abbey, also known as the “Charterhouse of Parma” with reference to the famous novel by Stendhal, dates back to the late 13th Century. Today the huge, imposing church attached to the abbey is home of the expositive section of the Centro Studi e Archivio della Comunicazione – CSAC (Study Centre and Communication Archive), which includes art installations, photographs, architecture and design sketches and projects, fashion and theatre costumes models from many decades of the 20th Century.
How to get there
The journey from Parma to Valserena Abbey requires around 15-20 minutes by car or bus.
By car – from Starhotel, turn right and proceed forward on Viale Piacenza. After the bridge, take the first exit at the roundabout and proceed on Viale Europa. Keep proceeding on Viale Europa.
Keep proceeding on the main road.
When you reach the suburban neighbourhood of Paradigna, turn right on Strada Viazza di Paradigna.
By bus – Bus line 7 has extended rides for Paradigna every hour. The bus stops at the railway station. You can get off at the 6th stop (Via Colorno).
For further information about prices, visits and opening times, please visit: http://www.csacparma.it/en/
FRANCO MARIA RICCI LABYRINTH
This recently built country estate lies in the surroundings of Fontanellato.
It does not only include the monumental bamboo labyrinth (wandering among its green, peaceful aisles is a relaxing yet mysterious experience); the central building is the home of a permanent exhibition of painting, sculpture and graphic arts.
How to get there
The journey can require about 15 minutes by car. The bus ride requires almost an hour and includes almost 30 minutes.
By car – Follow the main road Via Emilia Ovest, N/W direction (Milano – Piacenza).
By bus – The extra-urban line Parma – Fontanellato – Soragna – Busseto leaves from the railway station in Parma at 7.23, 11.23, 12.40 am and 5.23 pm on every week day. Get off at the stop in the suburban neighborhood of Fontevivo. The Labyrinth, though, is quite far from the bus stop.
Anyhow, a special bus service is provided by the estate’s foundation itself every Saturday. It leaves at 10.05 and 3.50 pm from the railway station.
For further information about prices, visits and opening times, please visit:
http://www.labirintodifrancomariaricci.it/it/labirinto/homepage-labirinto/
(Only available in Italian).
