A dark and fascinating route through the streets and squares of Parma's historic old town, where the city tells its storey through its women and its secrets. Cultured and powerful duchesses such as Maria Luigia of Austria and Luisa Elisabetta of Bourbon emerge alongside enigmatic and controversial figures: influential abbesses such as Giovanna da Piacenza and Maura Lucenia Farnese, custodians of power, silence, and scandal, but also nameless women, accused of witchcraft and condemned to the stake in the squares of the 17th century by ducal order.

In the background, like a long shadow that spans the centuries, is the figure of Matilde di Canossa, who left her mark on the sacred heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo, transforming it into a place full of symbols, art and faith.

An itinerary that delves into the most secret side of Parma, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, where female power is intertwined with intrigue, trials, devotion, and fear.

Places visited: Parco Ducale and Palazzo del Giardino (outside); Glauco Lombardi Museum (current exhibition); Monastery of San Paolo (outside); Church of Sant'Alessandro; Piazza Duomo; Piazza Garibaldi.

Meeting point: Gate of the Parco Ducale, Ponte Giuseppe Verdi, 43125 Parma PR, Italy

Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

All our guided visits are conducted by licensed tour guides.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour. The tours start with the utmost punctuality.