San Giovanni Evangelista
A 16th-century Benedictine church in Parma, famed for Correggio's breathtaking dome frescoes and tranquil monastery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
San Giovanni Evangelista
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century Benedictine church in Parma, famed for Correggio's breathtaking dome frescoes and tranquil monastery.
"It's not just beautiful—it's soulful."
🤫 Whisper-Quiet Entry
Step inside for a peaceful experience; the church is a place of worship. Respect the quiet atmosphere.
✨ Look Up!
The dome frescoes by Correggio are the main event. Allow time to truly absorb their detail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Correggio's Frescoed Dome
Church Ceiling
Breathtaking Baroque frescoes by Correggio that create an illusion of heavenly ascension.
Peaceful Cloisters
Monastery Courtyard
A serene, quiet courtyard offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Monastery Library
Monastery
Discover historical texts and a unique atmosphere within this ancient monastic library.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Beyond the Frescoes: Monastery & Library
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Whisper-Quiet Entry
Step inside for a peaceful experience; the church is a place of worship. Respect the quiet atmosphere.
✨ Look Up!
The dome frescoes by Correggio are the main event. Allow time to truly absorb their detail.
🚶♀️ Explore the Monastery
Don't miss the cloisters and library for a deeper dive into the complex's history.
☕ Pair with Local Charm
Visit after an espresso in Borgo Pipa or Via Scutellari for a true Parma experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Whisper-Quiet Entry
Step inside for a peaceful experience; the church is a place of worship. Respect the quiet atmosphere.
✨ Look Up!
The dome frescoes by Correggio are the main event. Allow time to truly absorb their detail.
🚶♀️ Explore the Monastery
Don't miss the cloisters and library for a deeper dive into the complex's history.
☕ Pair with Local Charm
Visit after an espresso in Borgo Pipa or Via Scutellari for a true Parma experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise San Giovanni Evangelista for its breathtaking Correggio frescoes and serene atmosphere, calling it a peaceful escape and a 'living museum.' Many recommend it as a worthwhile detour from the more famous Cathedral, appreciating the quiet cloisters and historical depth. Some note that the interior can be dark, potentially obscuring the artwork.
"My wife and I stayed in Parma for a full month, and visiting San Giovanni Evangelista was one of those moments that reminded us why Italy feels like a living museum. Tucked just behind the famous Parma Cathedral, this 16th-century Benedictine church and monastery feels peaceful even when the city is busy. From the outside it looks almost understated, but once you step inside, you realize why people whisper in awe.
The ceiling frescoes by Correggio are absolutely breathtaking. Standing beneath them, you can feel the energy and faith that went into every brushstroke. The light changes through the day and makes the colors shift, so no two visits feel the same. We found ourselves returning more than once, each time noticing new details in the artwork and architecture that we somehow missed before.
There is a calm courtyard connected to the cloister that feels like a world away from modern life. You can hear faint bells, the echo of footsteps, and the soft hum of the city beyond the walls. It’s hard to describe how peaceful it feels—almost meditative.
If you are staying in Parma, take the time to walk here slowly, maybe after an espresso at one of the nearby cafés. The area around Borgo Pipa and Via Scutellari is full of charm, and you can easily pair this visit with a stop at the Cathedral or Baptistery nearby.
We’ve seen many churches during our month in Italy, but San Giovanni Evangelista stands out. It’s not just beautiful—it’s soulful."
Scott G.
"This Church is just behind the Cathedral and is worth a detour to see."
Stephanie Ritz
"Very nice church behind more famous Chatedral of Parma. If you are near I recommend to visit this also."
Sveto Rakovic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Giovanni Evangelista is conveniently located just behind the Parma Cathedral in the city center. You can easily walk there from Piazza Garibaldi or other central points in Parma. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from the station.
Parking in Parma's historic center can be challenging. It's best to use public parking garages located a short walk from the church, or consider arriving by public transport or on foot if staying centrally.
Absolutely! Many Parma city tours include San Giovanni Evangelista as it's a key landmark, often visited alongside the Cathedral and Baptistery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church itself is typically free, allowing visitors to admire the stunning frescoes. However, there might be separate admission fees for the monastery, cloisters, or library areas, so it's advisable to check on-site for current pricing.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the monastery and library. The church is generally open during daylight hours, but it's recommended to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
While the church is usually free, the monastery, cloisters, and library may have a small admission fee. This helps support the preservation of these historical spaces.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but flash photography is usually discouraged to protect the delicate frescoes. Always be respectful of worshippers and other visitors.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The most celebrated feature is the breathtaking frescoed dome by Correggio, a masterpiece of Baroque art that creates a stunning illusion of the heavens opening up.
Beyond the dome, explore the peaceful cloisters, the historic monastery, and the ancient library, which houses valuable texts and offers a glimpse into monastic life.
To fully appreciate the church, cloisters, and library, allocate at least 1-2 hours. If you're a history or art enthusiast, you might want to spend longer.
Children can appreciate the grandeur of the frescoes, but the quiet nature of the church and monastery might require them to be supervised. The cloisters offer a bit more space to explore.
Originally a 16th-century Benedictine church and monastery, it's renowned for its significant Baroque art, particularly Correggio's dome frescoes, and its role in Parma's religious and cultural history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the church is located in Parma's vibrant city center, surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants. You can easily find a spot for an espresso or a full meal nearby.
Parma is famous for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. Don't miss trying local pasta dishes like tortelli d'erbetta.
📸 📸 Photography
The dome frescoes are a must-photograph. The cloisters also offer beautiful architectural shots, especially with the changing light.
Flash photography is generally not permitted inside the church to protect the delicate frescoes. Always check for signage or ask permission.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting on the frescoes as the sun's angle changes, creating a warm glow. Early mornings are also good for fewer people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical texts in the library might not capture young attention, the sheer scale of the church and the stories behind the art can spark imagination. Keep visits relatively short to maintain engagement, perhaps combining it with a stop at a nearby park or a gelato break afterward.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Delve into the history of the Benedictine monastery and its library. Researching the artists and the historical context before your visit can greatly enhance the experience. Consider visiting with a guide or using an audio guide if available to gain deeper knowledge of the site's significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Marvel: Correggio's Dome
The illusionistic effect is so powerful that it draws the eye upwards, making the church's architecture seem to disappear into the sky. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with Correggio's skillful rendering of anatomy and drapery, contributes to the frescoes' enduring impact. It's a testament to the artistic innovation of the period and a key reason why San Giovanni Evangelista is considered a significant artistic pilgrimage site.
A Sanctuary of Serenity: Monastery and Library
The monastery also houses a significant library, a treasure trove of historical texts and manuscripts. While access might be limited or require special arrangements, its existence underscores the complex's historical role as a center of learning and spirituality. Exploring these quieter parts of San Giovanni Evangelista provides a more complete understanding of its historical and cultural importance, offering a contrast to the dramatic visual experience of the church's interior.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit