Sivizzano, Parma, Italy

The flat, where my family and I moved to in 1973, is just inside of this very ancient building that used to be a small convent in the Middle Ages. Part of it was built in 1098, the more "recent" part in 1743... Sivizzano is the name of the village were I was born and still live. It's on the hilly Parmesan countryside, between Parma and Berceto. Only 450 inhabitants, no factories, no noise. A very peaceful place...

The province of Parma may likewise boast charming resorts especially in the hilly areas and in the Apennines among mountains, woods and lakes where the beauty of the countryside, the scattered evidence of art and history in each ancient village (mainly churches and castles)and the excellent culinary traditions kept alive in many trattorias indicated in the gastronomics guides, attract many tourists. Among the many resorts there is BERCETO with its romanesque cathedral (10th century), one of the garrison of the ancient Roman Way and the nearby Cisa Pass. BORGOTARO "land of mushroom" and FORNOVO with its beautiful romanesque church and a nearby museum of peasant culture. LANGHIRANO "the capital of prosciutto", FELINO renowned for its "salami".

Parma, our chief town. The city rose in 183 B.C. on the remains of a prehistoric village on piles and became an important Roman colony. Afterwards, from the Middle Ages on, Parma became one of the most cultural centres of Europe even so far as to be called "the Athens of Italy". Its Cathedral was built between 1090 and 1106 by contributions of the whole population. It's a particular example of Padana Romanesque architecture, influenced by Rhenish and Norman models and by churches situated on the routes of the pilgrims to Rome. The presence of the great sculptor-architect Benedetto Antelami was predominat in the erection of the Baptistery which was his project. The building (started in 1196) was built with marbles mainly transported along the Po river through a slip-canal eventually reaching Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). Both Cathedral and Baptistery are unique masterpieces: inside of them there are Antelami's sculptures ("Descent from the Cross" (1178) and others). Later on, from 1500 to 1600, they both were painted, inside, in frescoes by Correggio and Parmigianino. A city, Parma, with lots of monuments and musems with great works of art of different periods and artists (Beato Angelico, Correggio, Parmigianino, Leonardo, El Greco, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Bruegel...). Last but not least, is its position in Italian music, not just because of the genius Giuseppe Verdi, but also for the Conservatory, the famous Teatro Regio and especially for the importance of music in the popular and cultural traditions of its people. Parma is linked with the name and artistic mastery of Giambattista Bodoni, the "Prince of Printers".

And, is there anyone in the world who has never heard of "Parmesan cheese"? Well, it's produced everywhere in the several dairies of our province: the accurate working method is still the same, unchanged for centuries. Parmesan cheese and Parma hams are definitely unique! Aww, ours is the land of lasagne, tortellini, tagliatelle, fettuccine, salami, hams (prosciutto), and so many other delicious meals as well...

I mentioned there are many ancient "castles" in our area... Here is one of the most beautiful and still well kept: the "Castle of Bardi" (20 miles from where I live...)