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. The number of inhabitants is about 36,000. 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 expense, 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
of this place. 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. In 1814 these duchies were bestowed upon Maria Louisa late empress of France, with the right of succession to her son Napoleon Charles. It is 30 miles south-east of Cremona, and 60 south east of Milan. E. Long. 10. 51. N. Lat. 44. 50.