The historic shops of Parma, an itinerary to discover the shops that matter, where to buy typical products, where traditions from father to son are still handed down.
The first time I found myself walking the streets of the center of Parma, I was captivated by the elegance of its shops and the shop windows with attention to every detail. Whether it is a clothing store, a jewelry store or a deli, the difference is not that great.
La class and care of the Parmesan shops, always stand out to the eye.
Today, however, I want to offer you an alternative path, in search of the historic workshops of Parma. Those who carry on their business with pride and mastery since the early 1900s. Here you will find unique products, whose realization is still done as it once was, often handed down from father to son.
They are those shops that are now almost confused in the midst of modern shops, the ones that we may see every day and on which we do not dwell too much.
But it is nice to be able to enter and take a look, remembering a past now gone, which takes us back to fashions and trends of decades ago.
The historic workshops of Parma
Here is an itinerary to discover the origins of small business in Parma, in those shops where traditions still live. Here you will find the perfumes of the past, state-of-the-art craftsmanship, typical food products, period furnishings and bookcases among whose shelves you can breathe the atmosphere of old times. Stop and listen to the stories of their owners and take them home with you a little piece of history.
Torrefazione Anceschi
Strada Garibaldi 46
The coffee of the Parmesan since 1929, in the central Strada Garibaldi. You will be guided inside the shop by perfume of blends and you can enjoy a good freshly ground coffee.
Ferrari watches and goldsmiths
Piazza Filippo Corridoni 15 / B
From the 1922 tradition of the Ferrari family it is handed down in the production of watches and gold jewelry. The founder was the grandfather of Michele Ferrari, the current owner of the shop. Here you will find both modern and vintage watches, gold and silver items along with rare ceramic items.
La Mammola perfumery
Strada della Repubblica 9 / B
If you want to try the famous perfume "violetta di Parma", this is the address that the locals will recommend. This historic perfumery has existed since 1923 and catches the eye walking along Via Repubblica, thanks to its fascinating shop windows in vintage style.
Melley Footwear
Strada della Repubblica 16
Shoes since 1924. Generations change and fashions change. But this historic shoe and accessories shop it always stays there.
Photo Carra
Piazzale Cervi 7 / b
Of course, by now there are only a few left to print the photos and leaf through the memory albums printed on film together. But the family tradition of Foto Carra has been going on for generations since 1934. And with many others
Alinovi frames
Strada Farini 13
The origins of this are very ancient generation of framers, who continue to create frames in their historic workshop in the center of Parma. You can request frames in solid wood or even in silver and gold. Perfect for a gift of value, not only aesthetic, but also and above all for the wise tradition that it embodies.
Scrap antiquity
Via XXII Luglio 19 / d
Active since 1957, Ferraglia Antichità is specialized in antique furniture, which have gone through different eras. It was one of those shops that really launched the fashion of antique furniture. If you are fascinated by this kind of furniture, this will be a must for you.
Osteria Blue Bottle
Borgo Felino 63
Entering this welcoming inn with kitchen, one cannot help but imagine what it must have been like to stop there in 1921 then grocery store to buy some pork or bulk wine. It then became a tavern only over the years, it serves typical traditional dishes, but always with an eye to the news. Stop here for dinner and let your imagination wander back to the times when travelers and inhabitants of Parma stopped for a bite in this historic tavern.
Battei Library
Strada Cavour, 5
Historic library Founded in 1872 by the printer and publisher Luigi Battei. Its ancient origins are still clearly visible in the furniture, in the showcases and in the brass handles of the entrance, on which the founder's initials are imprinted. Come in, because the interiors of the library are not to be missed. Here you will relive the elegant atmosphere of the past, when print media was the most popular and bookstores were an almost sacred place.
