PARMA, an ancient, rich, populous, and handsome town of Italy, capital of the duchy of the same name, with a citadel, a bishop's see, and an university. It has a magnificent cathedral, and the largest opera-house in Europe, which has seats for 8000 people; but as it required a vast number of candles, which occasioned great expence, they have contrived another which has room for 2000 spectators. The dome and the church of St John are painted by the famous Corregio, who was a native of this place. Don Carlos, king of the two Sicilies, carried away the library to Naples, which contained 18,000 volumes, and a very valuable cabinet of curiosities, as also the rich collection of medals. The citadel, which is very near the city, is built in the same taste as that at Antwerp. In 1734 there was a bloody battle fought here; and in 1741, by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, the duchies of Parma, Placentia, and Guastalla, were given to Don Philip, brother to Don Carlos above-mentioned. It is 30 miles south-east of Cremona, and 30 south-east of Milan. E. Long. 10. 51. N. Lat. 44. 50.