Cremona
– The City of Music
If I were to describe Cremona, I would say that
everything about the city, every edge and corner, is a heartfelt letter
dedicated to the most ardent passion for the arts. From the hidden graffiti in
the dark spots of the city to the magnificent architectures that reign over the
lively streets. Cremona’s ancient beauty will embrace you warmly and its people
will make you feel at home like never before.
Located in the North of Italy in Lombardy, the city
is the perfect place for those who love to visit museums and learn about the
rich history and culture of the place. Cremona is also known as the City of
Music for it is the birthplace of Antonio Stradivari, an Italian luthier and one
of the best craftsmen of string instruments such as violins. For this reason, a
must-visit when coming to Cremona is the Museum of the Violin where you can learn
about the history of the instrument and visit workshops of some of the best
luthiers in the city. It is a fascinating experience that will make you realize
why Cremona is known as the City of Music and the homeland of the violin.
When talking about Cremona, we cannot miss the local
specialty, Torrone, a delicious pastry with ancient origins that has become the
symbol of the city. In fact, there is also a whole festival dedicated to it, La
Festa del Torrone (the Festival of the Torrone) that takes place every year. Moreover,
you can visit various antique workshops to watch first-hand how the nougat
confection is made; the most famous being Sperlari (the absolute best brand of
Torrone, in my opinion).
Cremona is full of stunning architecture, but the
ones that might be the most remarkable are found in Piazza del Comune where the
Cattedrale, the Battistero, the Torrazzo and the Loggia of the Militi reside.
These structures have an immense historical significance; for instance, the
Torrazzo is considered one of the tallest and oldest brickwork bell towers in
the world. The gothic and Romanesque style of the buildings embraced by the
warmth of the sunlight makes for a breathtaking view of the square. This is
definitely my most favourite spot of the city!
Cremona is a city full of hidden wonders that will leave you stunned in the most wonderful of ways. The city presents a majestic architecture and an ancient vibe that you will not find elsewhere. From historical museums to local festivals, Cremona prides itself on a rich history and fascinating culture. Growing up here, I can absolutely say that if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind and authentic experience, Cremona is the perfect place for you!
Written By: Gurleen Kaur