Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore
Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Parma. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type square
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Parma Parma guide
About Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore
Piazza Garibaldi is the lively central square of Parma, dominated by the beautiful Palazzo del Governatore with its distinctive pink facade and astronomical clock, the social and commercial heart of the city since Roman times and still the place where Parma comes to promenade, gather, and celebrate.
Piazza Garibaldi is the historic centre of Parma, a large, handsome, and lively square occupying the site of the ancient Roman forum that was the original heart of the city. The square is dominated by the Palazzo del Governatore (Governor's Palace), a distinctive medieval-origin building with a tall belfry tower and a beautiful Renaissance-era pink facade decorated with bas-reliefs and topped by the astronomical clock of 1829 whose face is the most recognisable image of Parma. The Palazzo del Governatore is not open to the general public but serves as the seat of the provincial government. The square also contains the church of San Pietro and the Municipal Theatre. The porticoed streets that lead into the piazza from all directions are lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants, making the square the natural gathering place of the city at all hours. The Parma passeggiata, the Italian evening promenade, is particularly vigorous here: Parma's citizens are known for their elegance and their love of food, and the aperitivo hour in the cafés around the piazza is one of the great social rituals of the city.
Did you know? The Piazza Garibaldi in Parma stands directly on the site of the ancient Roman forum, the square has been the civic and commercial heart of the settlement continuously since the Roman city of Parma was established in 183 BC as a Latin colony.
How long is a visit to Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore worth your time?
Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore is among the 20 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Parma, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Parma
Hear the story of Piazza Garibaldi & Palazzo del Governatore
Preview the Parma tour free in the Gingerguide app.