The territory around Parma, which has a variety of geological features, runs from the river Po to the ridge of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, acting as a communication corridor between northern and southern Italy; a fact which, over the centuries, has encouraged the intensive growth of agriculture, industry, trade and tourism. Important works of art from every period, and traces of the past in general, are found throughout the territory, with a lot of castles, fortresses and palaces. Among the most important of these are Fontanellato, Soragna, San Secondo, Colorno and Roccabianca in the lower Po plain, Torrechiara, Felino, Montechiarugolo and Sala Baganza in the hills, and Bardi and Compiano in the mountains. Visits may also be made to the abbeys and xenodochia (hospices) built for the medieval pilgrims who traveled along the Via Francigena, the religious route which led to Rome from across the Alps, crossing the territory of Parma near Fidenza, running on towards Fornovo, and finally passing the Apennines. Various places in the area are also widely known as "home to Verdi" (Busseto, Roncole Verdi and Sant'Agata), where the great composer was born, lived and left his mark; they, and the objects they contain, are great tourist attractions. Equally popular are spas such as Salsomaggiore, Tabiano, Monticelli and Sant'Andrea, which have ancient springs and modern facilities for health and wellbeing.

Another key factor bringing tourists to the Parma territory is its long­standing tradition connected with food. The area around Parma has earned itself the nickname "Food Valley", and is known throughout Europe for internationally renowned brands such as the Parmesan cheese from Parma and Reggio, culatello (a kind of salted ham) from Zibello, and salami from Felino. Recently, itineraries linking places particularly known for food and wine, as well as for their historical and artistic interest, have been attracting increasing attention: they include the Route of the Culatello di Zibello, between the Via Emilia and the Po; the Route of Ham and Wine of the hills of Parma, between the valleys of the rivers Taro and Enza; and the Route of the edible Boletus of Borgotaro, in the western Apennines.