If one of your greatest wishes is to learn about the history of food made in Italy, perhaps visiting their place of origin? Well, then in this article I would like to give you a visit to the Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano.
This interesting museum is located in the province of Parma, exactly in Soragna and is home to the Corte Castellazzi, an agricultural estate dating back to the 18th century.
But that’s not all … it’s in an area full of castles, natural oasis and really lovely enchanting parks that will literally leave you breathless!
Believe me: it will be a truly unique experience to admire the many historical testimonials of one of the most famous and appreciated cheeses in the world.
Parmigiano Reggiano Origins
I just want to give you a “taste” of the long history that gave origin to Parmigiano Reggiano, beginning by telling you it is nine centuries long!It is thought that its production dates back to the Middle Ages, by the Benedictine and Cistercian monks of the plains of Parma and Reggio Emilia, which perfected it in the agricultural estate of the area.
But it does not end there … thanks to the numerous watercourses and the presence of very extensive pastures, very soon in this area the production of a hard cheese made with the processing of milk in large boilers spread.
Do you know what the most amazing thing is? That our parmesan is still made today with the same technique and with the same rituals of nine centuries ago!At present, there are about 400 small artisanal dairies in the areas between Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and part of the provinces of Bologna and Mantua to produce it.
And I’ll tell you more … the producers of this noble cheese have obtained by law the authorization to preserve the old method of processing and its quality level.We can certainly call it one of the leading products of our Belpaese, who has made a great contribution to informing the Italian dairy industry in the world, do not you think?
What to see in the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum in Parma
As soon as you arrive at Corte Castellazzi, home of the Parmigiano Museum in Parma, you will see a farmhouse with surrounding Stables, barns, and the precious circular shaped dairy with a colonnade dating back to 1848.But that’s not all … here are many tools and utensils used to produce the famous cheese, of which over 120 date back to the 1800s and the first half of the twentieth century … Interesting?
And I’ll tell you more: inside this dairy there are also a hundred pictures, drawings and vintage photos!
It will be really exciting for you to see up close the production process of Parmigiano Reggiano and the various stages of seasoning but it will be divine to taste it at the Museum Shop, alone and combined with other delicacies.
I suggest you also take a quick look at the tools and objects used daily by the farmers and related to nutrition.Do not miss a brief visit to the underground Museum, where you can admire an exhibition devoted to the many imitations of Parmigiano Reggiano produced in other countries.
Opening times to the public
The Parmigiano Reggiano Museum can be visited on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00, but only from 1 March to 8 December.From December to February you can see it only by reservation, while the entrance ticket costs 5 euros. Guided tours for groups of up to 25 people instead costs € 20.00.
How to get to the Museum
By train you reach the Parma station and from here with the extra bus service autobus extraurbano you arrive at Soragna. The entrance to the Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano is on the pedestrian path of Viale dei Mille. By plane you land at Giuseppe Verdi International Airport in Parma and from here you can take advantage of a convenient shuttle service, which allows you to reach the Museum directly.
After visiting this place and also the surrounding beauties, you will certainly be advising your friends what to visit in Italy!
If you liked this article, you will also enjoy this read: Italy, Home of the best cheeses in the world
