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Parma or Modena?

We are traveling by train from Switzerland down to Naples in September, with 2-night stops along the way at Parma or Modena, and Orvieto. I have booked a nice boutique hotel in Modena, which I just kind of chose at random without comparing the two towns. We have previously stayed in, and enjoyed, Bologna and Ferrara, so I did not put those on the list.

Now I am thinking we may have to cut our time to one night due to train routing changes. I won’t know for certain until much closer to September, but I like to explore my options and have lots of time to think about them. If I have to change hotels (the one currently booked in Modena has a 2-night minimum), should we also change towns? If it is down to one night, we will have all afternoon the day we arrive, and most of the morning the following day before we move on to Orvieto.

We don’t need a lot to do or any “blockbuster” sights; we mainly like to walk around the streets of the Oldtown area, maybe stop in to an interesting museum (archeology more than art) or visit historic sites (especially Roman where they still exist) and opera houses (my husband is an opera fan). Or explore more modern themes in music, science, and industry. But although we certainly appreciate authentic Italian food, we are not interested in a food tour or cooking class. I do know Parma has an American football team (having read the fun book “Playing for Pizza” by John Grisham), but I doubt they will be playing while we are there, nor would that be a good way to spend our limited time.

I know Modena has the Ferrari museum which may be of interest, and the Casa Museo Pavarotti (which is well out of time and we won’t have time for that). I haven't investigated Parma ;yet, so am asking for help. I do have a guidebook on Emilia-Romagna, but the fine, light-colored print is driving me crazy. I do better reading on my iPad.

Thank you in advance.

Posted by
7886 posts

At Parma, check and see anything of interest will be at Teatro Farnese or TeatroRegio. Teatro Farnese is interesting to see the interior even if there’s no events. Parma also has my favorite cathedral interior of any in Italy so far (stayed in 30 cities).

Both times I stayed in Parma, I stayed at Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati which is on the Cathedral Piazza. I’ve had two wonderful dinners at nearby La Forchetta - make a reservation.

I haven’t stayed in Modena - planned to in 2020 and later switched that itinerary, so I can’t give you first-hand info.

Posted by
146 posts

We stayed in Bologna as a base for about a week last fall. We did day trips each to Parma and Modena. We found Modena fairly small but pleasant. Our guide suggested a very nice restaurant. We found Parma to be more interesting and did a food/art walking tour. It was wonderful. We thought if we had to do it over again we would have based in Parma.

Posted by
17563 posts

Thanks! It sounds like you are both leaning towards Parma? Would you describe it as more “charming” than Modena? It seems the latter is more oriented toward fast cars and business, but maybe I am getting the wrong idea.

Posted by
146 posts

Modena is very small. The main square is nice but not to me nearly as nice as Parma. Parma has some excellent museums. We spent some time at the Museum of Arturo Toscanini and it was fascinating. The squares were lovely and a great place to hang out to have a drink or gelato. Both towns are very nice but I think Parma has more to offer if you have time to see some of the sights. Both are worthy of a visit if in the area.

Posted by
1254 posts

I think you made the right choice to switch to Parma. Our experience was similar to Kim's, daytrips to both towns from Bologna and we found Parma more enjoyable.

Posted by
557 posts

From a not touristy point of view both are very similar; for history, size and things to be visited.
Top museums: Pilotta in Parma - Gallerie Estensi in Modena
Cathedral: in Parma one with very important XVI century frescos and Baptistery, in Modena is UNESCO World heritage because one of the best preserved Romanesque style.
Smaller museums: - Parma: Toscanini, Glauco Lombardi (about Maria Luigia), Camera di San Paolo. - Modena: Enzo Ferrari museum, Pavarotti house-museum, FMAV, Duke' palace.
And tons of churches in both cities.

For archeology both Modena and Parma have an interesting section within the main museums (Pilotta and Estense), but not particular important sites. In Modena there is the area called "Novi Park", but without an explanation isn't so interesting.
For Opera is in general better Parma and a detour to Busseto and Roncole for Giuseppe Verdi museums. The main theatre in Modena is very nice too, but isn't usually opened for visits. Instead the Farnese of Parma is the very important one because was the first built with a modern style, even if has been used few times at all.

Posted by
355 posts

@Lola - if your husband is an opera fan, tour the opera house in Parma. It was one of the highlights of our visit there.

Posted by
17563 posts

Thank you! I will put the opera house in Parma at the top of the list.