Cremona between violin making, river landscapes and cycle paths

Cremona is a destination where urban history, violin making, waterscapes and regional cuisine can be explored in different ways. Cremona’s historic centre is served by public transport. For travel by train, the station is served by the national railway company Trenitalia. Cremona is also located on the A21 motorway: the Cremona and Castelvetro Piacentino exits provide access from the north and south respectively. A 48-hour itinerary through Cremona and the province leads into an area where the Po forms the border with Emilia-Romagna.

Historic centre and Cremona’s museums

Climbing the Torrazzo involves 502 steps and leads to a top terrace with a 360-degree panorama. The Torrazzo also houses the Museo Verticale, an exhibition route covering astronomy, timekeeping, and the history and workings of the astronomical clock. The Museo Civico Ala Ponzone includes a section on the Middle Ages and the Quattrocento, with sculptures, removed frescoes, ceiling panels and an extensive selection of works from the circle of the Bembo family. Cremona’s tourist information point offers guided tours of the city and violin-making workshops every day.

The history of violin making is a particular focus of the city. The Museo del Violino presents five centuries of this craft’s history, from Stradivari to the present day. Its exhibits include Stradivari items and a reconstruction of a violin-making workshop. In Cremona’s violin-making workshops, you can observe part of the production of a stringed instrument and listen to the explanations of a master violin maker. Traditional violin making in Cremona is protected as intangible UNESCO cultural heritage.

Theatres, fortresses and printing history

The history of theatre is also part of Cremona’s cultural profile. At the Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli, visitors can see the auditorium, royal box, stage and artists’ dressing rooms. The present building of the Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli dates from 1808.

In Soncino, the Rocca Sforzesca has several underground rooms, including a former prison, as well as an internal staircase leading from the basement to the Torre del Capitano. The Museo della Stampa in Soncino displays printing presses, type cases and letter cases in the so-called Casa degli Stampatori. Printing activity in Soncino began in 1483 with the printing of the first book there and continued until 1490. The printers of Soncino produced a complete Bible in 1488.

In Pizzighettone, the walls have been almost completely restored and are accessible both in their interior areas and along the battlements. The restored area of the former defensive complex can be used for walks; events and exhibitions take place in the accessible bastion rooms. In this way, historic complexes complement the museums and workshops with tangible insights into defence, architecture and earlier working environments.

Cycle paths and river landscapes

For active days, the Parco del Po e del Morbasco in the surrounding area offers three recreational routes along the Cavo Morta, the Morbasco and the River Po. The route along the Morbasco reaches Via del Sale in Cremona via the river embankment. It passes meadows, small stands of poplars and riparian woodland with dense shrub vegetation along the watercourse.

Cremona’s cycle network covers more than 300 kilometres. The Lungo i Navigli Cremonesi route runs 80 percent on protected cycle paths and otherwise on minor roads with light traffic. It leads through the north-western part of the province of Cremona along the towpaths of the 14th-century Naviglio civico di Cremona and the 19th-century Canale Vacchelli. The Tombe Morte–Tredici Ponti hydraulic complex is also part of the route. Cremona’s cycle routes connect the city centre with the countryside of the province of Cremona and its villages.

Another option is the Ciclabile delle città murate route. It passes viewpoints on the Adda and Oglio, the natural slopes of their river valleys and the Tombe Morte–Tredici Ponti hydraulic junction. This allows you to set different priorities for your trip, alternating between city sightseeing, craft culture, paths along the water and longer excursions through the province.

The flavours of the Cremona area

Regional cuisine can also be discovered through specific products. Six cheeses produced in the Cremona area carry the protected designation of origin DOP: Grana Padano, Provolone Valpadana, Taleggio, Quartirolo Lombardo, Gorgonzola and Salva Cremasco. This selection complements a journey combining historic sites, landscapes and local craftsmanship.

More places for planning your trip

Torre De' Picenardi, Montodine, Pieve D'olmi, San Bassano, Torlino Vimercati, Gussola, Soncino, Cremona, Costa Santʼ Abramo, Castelleone, Drizzona, Soresina, Vailate, Cignone, Bagnolo Cremasco, Agnadello, San Giovanni in Croce, Boschetto, Pescarolo ed Uniti, Battaglia, Ca' De' Mari, Pizzighettone, Casteldidone, Gerre De' Caprioli, Sospiro, Rivarolo Del Re, Spino D'adda, San Latino, Offanengo, Motta Baluffi, Moscazzano, Castel Gabbiano, Credera, Vaiano Cremasco, Cansero, Casalmaggiore, Corte De' Frati, Cicognolo, Crema, Stagno Lombardo, Bordolano

For the higher-level travel overview: Lombardy.