Parco della Cittadella
A vast public park on a 16th-century fortress site, perfect for walking, jogging, family fun, and community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Parco della Cittadella
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast public park on a 16th-century fortress site, perfect for walking, jogging, family fun, and community events.
"Beautifully kept park inside an old fortress, great for running, playing, and relaxing."
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is vast and can be dusty; wear comfy shoes for exploring the bastions and grounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be doing a lot of walking or jogging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fortress Bastions
Outer edges of the park
Walk or jog the 1km loop along the historic fortress walls for scenic views and a great workout.
Children's Play Areas
Various locations within the park
Engage kids with playgrounds, a carousel, and trampolines for endless family fun.
Lostello Parma
Within Parco della Cittadella
Discover this urban regeneration project featuring workshops, a cafe, and an inclusive atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Outdoors: Activities and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is vast and can be dusty; wear comfy shoes for exploring the bastions and grounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be doing a lot of walking or jogging.
📅 Check for Events
Look for outdoor fitness classes, festivals, or performances happening in the park. 
☔ Avoid Post-Rain Visits
The park can get muddy after rain, particularly around the playgrounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is vast and can be dusty; wear comfy shoes for exploring the bastions and grounds.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be doing a lot of walking or jogging.
📅 Check for Events
Look for outdoor fitness classes, festivals, or performances happening in the park.
☔ Avoid Post-Rain Visits
The park can get muddy after rain, particularly around the playgrounds.
☕ Cafe Options Available
There's an informal cafe in the center and a nice restaurant/cafe for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Parco della Cittadella as a beautifully maintained, vast park ideal for running, jogging, and family outings. Its historical fortress setting adds a unique charm, and amenities like playgrounds and cafes enhance the experience. Some note that the park can get dusty and may close during extreme weather.
"Its a quiet park with 2 entry points. Its good for running, but dusty. There is a cafe in the center."
M. Yankov
"Seems like a very nice space to stroke or jog. It also have a themed park inside. It's also good for outside sports and relaxing"
andrei victor
"Beautifully kept park inside an old fortress. Playgrounds for the children, carousel and trampolines, basketball courts. An informal cafe, as well as a nice restaurant/cafe. Also, if you're looking for a safe place to run/walk, up along the bastions is a 1km loop, or a bit longer if you traverse the outer edges. Good to know: on very windy days, the park will close and after rain it can be muddy around the playgrounds."
Kate Ringelstein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parco della Cittadella is accessible by public transport and car. Several bus lines stop near the park entrances. If driving, there are parking areas available, though they can fill up on busy days.
Yes, the park has two main entry points, making it convenient to access from different parts of the city.
While great for walking and jogging, cycling might be restricted in certain areas. It's best to check local regulations or stick to designated paths if available.
The park is relatively close to the city center, making it a pleasant walk or a short bus ride away for many visitors.
Check local bus routes for stops closest to the park entrances. Information is usually available on the Parma transport authority's website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parco della Cittadella is a public park and generally free to enter, allowing everyone to enjoy its green spaces and amenities.
As a public park, it typically has generous opening hours, often from dawn till dusk. However, specific areas or attractions within the park might have their own schedules.
For special events like concerts or performances, booking tickets in advance is usually recommended, especially for popular acts. Check event listings for details.
On very windy days, the park may close for safety reasons. It's always a good idea to check local advisories if the weather is extreme.
While the park itself is free, specific attractions like a carousel or trampolines might have separate charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, playing in playgrounds, visiting themed areas, and attending outdoor events. It's also a great spot for picnics and relaxation. +1
Absolutely! The bastions offer a 1km loop, and the outer edges provide longer routes, making it a popular spot for runners. +1
Yes, the park features playgrounds, a carousel, and trampolines, making it a fantastic destination for families with kids.
Lostello is a unique urban regeneration project within the park, offering workshops, a cafe, and promoting inclusive activities and employment.
Yes, the park's open spaces are perfect for picnics. Remember to clean up after yourself to keep the park beautiful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's an informal cafe in the center of the park and a more established restaurant/cafe offering dining options. +1
Bringing your own food for a picnic is a great idea, and the park's ample green spaces are ideal for it.
The cafes typically offer light snacks, coffee, and drinks. The restaurant may provide a wider range of meals. +1
Lostello Parma includes a cafeteria, making it a pleasant spot to relax with a coffee and enjoy the inclusive atmosphere.
You'll find both quick bite options at the informal cafe and potentially more substantial meals at the restaurant/cafe. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The historic fortress bastions offer dramatic backdrops, while the green spaces and any fountains or sculptures provide picturesque scenes. The 'Fontana della cascata' is particularly photogenic.
Late afternoons, especially during golden hour, can offer beautiful lighting for photography as the sun sets over the park.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, for commercial photography or drone usage, you might need special permits.
People often capture landscape shots, family portraits, and action shots of runners or people enjoying outdoor activities.
During public events, taking photos is usually fine, but be mindful of performers' privacy and avoid intrusive flash photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for seasonal events like the Luna Park which offer extra excitement. The presence of cafes and restaurants means you can easily grab refreshments or a meal.
Remember to check for any temporary closures due to weather, especially after rain, as some areas can become muddy. 🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Beyond running, the park often hosts free outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga or general training sessions, especially during warmer months.
+1 These are great ways to engage in a workout in a beautiful natural setting. The park's open spaces are also suitable for various calisthenics and stretching routines. 🚶♂️ Leisurely Strollers and Nature Lovers
Take your time exploring the different sections of the park, including the charming Lostello Parma for a coffee break.
+1 Weekday mornings are particularly serene, offering a tranquil environment to relax and unwind. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Fortress
Walking along the bastions provides a sense of history while enjoying the natural beauty of the park. It's a popular route for runners and joggers seeking a dedicated 1km loop, with options to extend the distance by traversing the outer edges. The elevated position also offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and the park's interior.
While the fortress itself is a historical monument, the park has evolved into a vibrant public space. The integration of modern amenities like playgrounds and sports courts within the historic framework creates a fascinating contrast. It's a place where history meets contemporary leisure.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the standard play equipment, the park sometimes hosts special events like a Luna Park, bringing traditional fairground rides and games to the Cittadella. These seasonal attractions are a big hit with families, offering a festive atmosphere and classic amusement park thrills. Keep an eye on local event listings for when these might be operating.
For a more structured experience, consider checking for outdoor fitness classes or workshops, some of which are family-friendly. The park's open spaces and inclusive spirit make it a versatile venue for various community activities that can be enjoyed by all ages.
+1Lostello Parma: A Community Hub
+1The philosophy behind Lostello is to promote activities aimed at workforce integration and social inclusion. It serves as a hub for people, projects, and ideas, offering a unique environment that blends social enterprise with a relaxed, open-air setting. Visitors can enjoy a coffee, browse unique products, or simply soak in the positive atmosphere.
This initiative transforms a part of the park into a dynamic cultural and social center. It's a testament to how public spaces can be revitalized to serve diverse community needs, making the Parco della Cittadella a richer and more multifaceted destination.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit