Overview
Cremona is a beautifully preserved medieval city in the Po valley of Lombardy, centered on the magnificent Piazza del Comune with its cathedral, baptistry, and the soaring Torrazzo bell tower. The city gained world fame in the 17th century for violin-making, particularly the instruments of Antonio Stradivari, whose legacy is celebrated at the Museo del Violino.
Architecture · Culture · History · Museums
Before you go
Culture
Cremona is famous worldwide for violin-making and the legacy of Stradivarius. The city has strong musical traditions and hosts the Monteverdi Festival in June.
Language
Italian is the local language. Some English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels.
Money
Italy uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Hotels and restaurants generally accept cards, but some smaller establishments may be cash-only.
Transport
Cremona railway station is 1 km north of center; fast trains from Milan take 70 min. Bus station is 200 m east of railway station. Most sights are walkable from Piazza del Comune.
Weather
The Po valley can be hot in summer and prone to fog in winter. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.