Location: Cremona
Top Things to do in Cremona
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10 Things to Do in Cremona That You Shouldn't Miss
Cremona [kreˈmoːna] listen (help·info) (Emilian: Carmona, Lombard: Cremùna) is a city and comune in northern Italy, situated in Lombardy, on the left bank of the Po River in the middle of the Pianura Padana (Po Valley). It is the capital of the province of Cremona and the seat of the local city and province governments. The city of Cremona is especially noted for its musical history and traditions, including some of the earliest and most renowned luthiers, such as Giuseppe Guarneri, Antonio Stradivari, and several members of the Amati family.
Restaurants in Cremona
1. Cattedrale di Cremona e Torrazzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
I rate the facade with 5 Points. The construction began in the Romanesque style. Expansions and renovations introduced Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The exterior is truly unique and imposing.
I rate the interior just 3 Points. It boasts a collection of frescoes. These are very busy paintings that tell detailed biblical stories. Architecturally, the church interior is similar to hundreds of other.
2. Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Maggi713 - Baltimore, Maryland
Duomo di Cremona is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the seat of the Bishop of Cremona. Its bell tower is the famous Torrazzo, symbol of the city and tallest pre-modern tower in Italy.
Originally built in Romanesque style, the church was restored and extended with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The interior frescoes are utterly overwhelming, with the Stories of Christ by Pordenone. The central nave and apse have especially rich frescoes and paintings, with scenes dedicated to the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The cathedral's most prized possession is the Holy Thorn, reputed to be from the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, which was donated to the church by Cremona-born Pope Gregory XIV in 1591. It's kept behind bars in the Capella delle Reliquie, in the left transept.
3. Piazza del Comune
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
This is as clean, well lighted square in the center of the city. Nearly every building is a landmark. You will often hear very talented street musicians. There are photo opportunities in every direction. There are a few cafe/restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery. This is a must for every visitor.
4. Museo del Violino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 875 reviews
Museo del Violino Antonio Stradivari based in Cremona, is dedicated to cremonese luthery of all time. At the same time it is a Museum, an Auditorium and a Research Centre about antique and modern luthery. It promotes the International "Triennale" competition of Violin Making Antonio Stradivari
Reviewed By DonPaulo - Richmond, Virginia
We have seen the violin museums in both Cremons and Mittenwald and find each flawed. Mittenwald showed more of the manufacture and less of the end-products. Cremona was light on the manufacture but exhaustive on the end-products. In Mittenwald, there was NO Music!! In Cremona, there were some recordings of great performers.
It is a shame that there are far more interesting things to see in Cremona.
5. Monastero di San Giuseppe in San Sigismondo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen P - Minneapolis, Minnesota
This is a very interesting Baroque church which dates to the late 15th century. It owes its visual riches to blessing a Sforza marriage. The place has a wonderful atmosphere of silence. I am not a fan of Baroque church architecture and decoration in Italy, but this one works. The 17th century frescoes are of an especially high quality and were quite fun to slowly take in. The paintings are also quite good, although we were there late in the day, the lighting is poor and many of the canvases could use a cleaning. The church is run by an order of silent nuns whose monastery is open to the public only twice a year. But the church is well worth a stop.
6. Battistero di Cremona
Overall Ratings
4 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By ge0rgiana - Oakham, United Kingdom
The architect of this baptistry of St John anticipated the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence by two centuries. The construction was started in 1167 in the Romanesque style. Originally it had 4 doors but only the northern door remains open. This leads out onto the rather oddly named Piazza del Comune as, although the Comune building is present, it is the huge Duomo that dominates the area. Light in the baptistry comes in via a double series of twin lancet windows and the lantern in the dome. There are balconies which are accessed, but not by the public, via steps inside the walls. The two doorways are cleverly concealed. The huge octagonal basin is in the centre on a slab of marble and there is a 14th century crucifix, an altar to St Biagio and an altar with a 17th century wooden sculpture of the Madonna. There is a small entrance fee but it was well worth it, the guide was cheerfully informative.
7. Negozio Sperlari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela D - Cremona, Italy
I'll never forget the smell of sugar and spices that waft in the shop! It reminds me of childhood memories waiting for Santa on Christmas eve.....but in this shop ,it's Christmas all year round.In fact, besides the traditional nougat and mostarda, you can buy_and taste _hand made bonbons and chocolates, crunchy or spongy cakes and multi-flavoured candy. Scrumptious!
8. Centro Storico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By BurgerQueen78 - Monza, Italy
We arrived to Castell'Arquato after visitin Vigoleno, so I think we did not appreciate the village as we should have to.
Nevertheless, I must say that this medieval village is a wonderful example of medieval architecture. Everything is in perfect conditions, and the village is quite big, this is the reason why it often hosts events in medieval style.
Take time to stroll around,the atmosphere is unique.
9. Academia Cremonensis
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
The 'Academia Cremonensis' of Cremona is founded by an expert luthier, a very well known family of bow makers and by an entrepreneur conquered by the art of Amati, Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu'. Situated in the splendid and noble Mina Bolzesi palace, in the center of Cremona, the Academia has the objective of setting forth the continuation of the historical Cremonese tradition of lutherie within the confines of a workshop where one can live the secrets of the Grand Masters of the past. The Academia conveys the peculiarity of this craft by way of the construction of instruments and bows according to the guidelines set forth by the works of Masters such as Giovanni Lucchi for bows and Simone Fernando Sacconi for violins.
Reviewed By Cynthia F - Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Our private tour of the Academia was eye-opening. My conclusion is that the founder of the school figured out a way to capitalize on the Cremona vibe and history to teach others how to make a buck making and selling musical instruments.
There are dozens of violin shops in Cremona. All the ones we passed were closed the weekday that we visited Cremona. I wonder when they are open. I have no idea what the quality of any of these musical instruments is, but I wouldn't be surprised if they sell for higher prices than they are worth simply because they are being sold in Cremona. Buyer beware.
Stradivarius is dead; his secrets are forgotten; Cremona retains little of the charm I expected to experience.
10. Church of Sant'Abbondio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Miriam P - Haifa, Israel
I must admit- this church wasn't on my list, but the woman at the tourist office highly reccommended it, so I've decided to give it a chance. Perfect decision- what a jewel.
Don't be put off by the exterior & step in.
During our visit we were the only persons there- what a shame.
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