Emilia Romagna, a serenely beautiful region located in Northern Italy, is abundantly rich in history, magnificent architecture, art, and culinary delights that arouse and titillate the taste-buds of any gourmet food lover. Famed for iconic towns like Bologna, Modena, and Parma, Emilia Romagna is regarded as ‘the foodie capital’ of Italy.
Situated a short distance from the rustic charm of Parma is Colorno, a small town brimming with breathtaking beauty and historical intrigue. Its pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Ducal Palace, a grandiose baroque masterpiece surrounded by manicured gardens and lush, inviting landscapes.
Tucked away amidst the tapestry of towns in Emilia Romagna, Colorno, the ‘Versailles of Italy’, is waiting to be discovered, savored, and remembered.
Arriving in Colorno, your eyes immediately greet grandiose gates that lead to the Ducal Palace. Commissioned by Francesco Farnese, Duke of Parma, in the 18th century, the palace exhibits an architectural brilliance that mimics the grandeur of the French Versailles. As you step inside the Ducal Palace, allow your eyes to feast upon a series of rooms lavishly adorned with frescoes, gold gildings, and stunning stuccos that narrate the tale of Emilia Romagna’s illustrious past.
One of the highlights of the palace is the captivating Appartamento Napoleonico, the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Maria Luigia. Wandering through the rooms, an exquisite blend of imperial elegance and charm encapsulates you. Be sure not to bypass the impressive Court Theatre, designed to mimic the La Scala Opera House in Milan, and the exquisite Throne Room.
Steps away from the palace, extending over 16 hectares, are the aromatic and colorful gardens. The French-style garden, meticulously trimmed hedges, the bright green labyrinth and the grand fishpond betray delightful echoes of the palace’s opulence. Meandering through the imaginative layout, enjoying the fragrant blooms, and capturing the perfect shot of the palace reflecting off the waters of the fishpond will transport you to a realm of peace and leisure.
Beyond history and architecture, Emilia Romagna, specifically Parma and Colorno, tantalizes the taste-buds. Parma is noted for two gastronomically rich assets recognized by the EU – Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese). These unmissable tasty delights find their roots in the fertile lands of Parma. A trip to Colorno is incomplete without tasting these regional specialties, possibly enhanced with the local fruity Lambrusco wine.
Every year, Colorno hosts the “Al Meni”, a festival that brings Michelin star chefs from around the world seeking inspiration from Parma’s tasteful creations. Visit nearby farms and see first-hand the centuries-old process of making some of the world’s best ham and cheese. Significantly, the International School of Italian Cuisine resides in Colorno’s Ducal Palace, celebrating Italy’s world-renowned culinary tradition, making this picturesque town a gastronomic wonder.
Colorno, the mini-Versailles of Emilia Romagna, is a feast for the senses. Embarking on a day trip from Parma to Colorno means stepping back in time, exploring regal surroundings, strolling around magical gardens, and indulging in some of the best food Italy can offer. This beautifully preserved testament to the region’s rich historical tapestry beckons lovers of art, history, and food from all corners of the world. In conclusion, a day in Colorno is an enlightening sojourn satiating your wanderlust with robust historical narratives, tantalizing flavors, and astonishing sights resplendent in natural and architectural beauty.