Lousy Tower

Via Farini is today one of Parma’s main streets, known for its bars and wine bars. In ancient times it was called Strada dei Genovesi because of the presence of the warehouses that, from here, carried Parma’s cheeses and cold cuts to the port of the Ligurian city.

In a building on the street that corners Via Maestri is a strange symbol that in a stylized way was meant to represent a louse. During the medieval period, it was ordered that mountaineers from the Apennine mountains, who often carried the troublesome parasite, passed through the area.

Before bringing their products, it was necessary that they be checked one by one to prevent the proliferation of the insects.