PARMA, the HOSTING CITY Parma is a city of about 180,000 inhabitants - in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Parma offers the guests a rich cultural heritage: the city is famous for its history and architecture, the surrounding countryside, the lyrical music tradition and the food excellences (Parma ham and cheese above all). Parma s Etruscan name was adapted by Romans to describe the round shield called Parma. The city is divided into two parts by a stream with the same name. Parma is a city full of charm and elegant, where you feel the lovely atmosphere of a little capital and it is a welcoming place with a sustainable way of life. Its historic centre has a typical Roman layout - full of artistic masterpieces, green areas and parks, treasures of different ages welcomes the tourist and pampers them with grace. food valley, the home to good cuisine and wines. This is the site of the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world and - since 2005 - Parma hosts the European Food Safety Authority s agency. In the city centre the guest can experience the lively atmosphere of the town: walking along ancient streets and lanes you can appreciate small typical restaurants and trattorias, elegant coffees, wineries and groceries, smart boutiques, Violetta di Parma shop where you can try and buy local specialties and then, you can relax strolling through parks and green areas. This unique mix makes Parma an exclusive site for your congress and an unforgettable experience. Parma is much more than this: Verdi lyrical music, the food culture and its surrounding territory represent endless resources for the visitors. Many sport and relaxing activities are also possible in this area. Natural landscape between the Po river and the Apennines, little towns full of history, abbeys and castles, medieval parish churches and theatres. Here the culture of the earth and the pork manufacturing are turned into real cookery art with antique tradition. Nevertheless, Parma is characterized by an extremely dynamic economy and is the capital of the Italian Pilotta Palace and the river - Photo Glamour 21
Advanced Aerobiology in the third millennium for the preservation of human and environmental health PARMA, CITY of ART Parma, already important during the Middle Ages and crucial for the Romanesque art history, was the capital of a little dukedom from the years 1550 to 1859, a historical era which left its mark on the city streets and buildings on the elegance of many shops and boutiques, on the cordiality of its citizens and on the richness of its surrounding territory. Reggia di Colorno National Gallery, Parmigianino, La schiava turca - Photo Furoncoli 22 Farnese Theatre - Photo Amoretti
CITY of FLAVOURS The region s Strade dei Vini e dei Sapori (The Roads of Wines and Flavours) offer the possibility of sampling its gourmet delights while becoming acquainted with how they are produced and while visiting the castles, museums, parish churches and parks that enrich the area. Among the specialties to be savored are Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham), Culatello di Zibello (prime-cut ham), Salame di Felino (Felino-style salami) and Spalla Cotta di San Secondo (cured pork shoulder), all accompanied by Malvasia and Sauvignon wines from the surrounding foothills, embellished by the fragrance of porcino mushrooms from Borgotaro and black trufles from Fragno. Seasoning of Parmigiano Prosciutto di Parma, the seasoning Prosciutto di Parma, quality check 23
Advanced Aerobiology in the third millennium for the preservation of human and environmental health Furthermore, Parma is the music city per excellence, a land of strong but reined passions. This land is the home of Giuseppe Verdi, the birthplace of Arturo Toscanini and the adopted home of Niccolò Paganini. PARMA and MUSIC Great opera performances, celebrated in the awesome Regio Theatre, re-lives in the many Verdi haunts, which are authentic sanctuaries dedicated to the cult of the composer from Busseto. 24 Regio Theatre - Photo Teatro Regio
PARMA and the SURROUNDINGS Busseto and the Verdi sites are a must for all music lovers who want to know more about Giuseppe Verdi, the towering musical genius of his time. CASTLES OF THE DUCHY Around Parma, in the plane and the sweet surrounding hills, there are beautiful castles; they are testimonies of surges of love and demonstrations of power of the feudal and Renaissance lords that covered the Parma area with about thirty fortresses and castles, which are highly visible demonstration of a period of history that transformed instruments of war into residences and alcoves of reined elegance. Torrechiara Castle, located in the Apennine foothills, surrounded by vineyards, the Castle enjoys spectacular views both of the valley and towards the city. The Castle is one of the most extensive and better conserved of the region. San Vitale Castle in Fontanellato. The magniicent rocca is situated in the centre of the village and surrounded by a large moat about 3 metres deep. It is rich in frescoes like the extraordinary cycle of Parmigianino representing the myth of Diana and Atteone. Meli Lupi Castle in Soragna. Built around 1385, it is the splendid residence of the current Prince Meli Lupi. Founded at the end of the 14th century as a fortress, it became a precious princely home in the 18th century. The Colorno Palace Built at the beginning of the 18th century and was the monumental residence of the Farnese, the Borbon and Marie Louise of Austria. In the great garden recently restored there were splendid water games. Torrechiara Castle 25
PARMA IN THE PRESENT INSTITUTIONS and IMPORTANT BRANDS EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY (EFSA) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientiic advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks. UNIVERSITY OF PARMA This university is one of the most ancient universities in Italy and has a relevant history and long tradition. At the moment it has 12 Faculties with many courses and masters. The University has an intensive cooperationship with the European Union and other international projects. THE REGIO THEATRE FOUNDATION OF PARMA The Foundation manages the internationally famous Opera House, the Regio Theatre of Parma, in the heart of the old town center and venue of the Festival Verdi, the Opera Season, the dance festival Parma Danza, concerts and cultural events of the highest proile. ALMA The International School of Italian Cuisine ALMA is the most prestigious centre of professional formation for Italian Cuisine on an international level. Under the guide of the Rector Gualtiero Marchesi, ALMA can count on the most reputed Italian teachers and experts of Cuisine and Pastry. The Headquarters are located inside the gorgeous Royal Palace of Colorno. ALMA is now representing the best path leading to a brilliant professional activity in the restaurant business. BRANDS Parma s thriving economy is based on agriculture, industry, commerce, tourism, local spa towns, and one of the area s most important and traditional industries is food: the province is one of the Europe s leading food producing regions, and some of the local brand names are known throughout the world. We can cite BARILLA, PARMALAT, but also DALLARA and CHIESI FARMACEUTICI together with smaller societies not so well known but excellent in their production. 27