Castelverde
Welcome to Cremona, the city of violins!
Hello everyone, today we will talk about Cremona, a beautiful city located in the south of Lombardy, famous worldwide for violin craftsmanship. With its 70.4 km² of surface area and 72,000 inhabitants, it is a city rich in history and culture that will surprise you with its beauty.
The physical geography of Cremona
The territory
Cremona is located a few steps from the banks of the Po River and is situated in the heart of the Po Valley. It is about 30 km from Piacenza (in Emilia-Romagna) and 85 km from Milan. The average altitude of Cremona is 45 m above sea level and the city extends over an area of 70.4 km².
The climate
The climate of Cremona is typical of plain areas, with cold winters and hot summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is +1.7°C, while that in July, the hottest month, is +24.3°C. Precipitation averages around 750 mm per year and is concentrated mainly during autumn.
The origins of the name of Cremona
The toponym of the city of Cremona has an uncertain origin, but it seems to be of pre-Roman, perhaps Gallic, origin. The city was founded by Brimonio, a Trojan who fled from his country after the destruction of his homeland. According to some legends, however, the founder of the city was Cremone, a companion of Paris.
The history of Cremona
The Roman period
Cremona was founded as a Roman colony in 218 BC by 6,000 Roman soldiers as an advanced "castrum" on the banks of the Po River. From Cremona, the "Via Regina" began, which connected Cremona with Chiavenna passing through Milan, and the "Via Brixiana", which connected Cremona with Brescia and the other Roman roads of Cisalpine Gaul.
Cremona, the city of violins
Cremona and violin-making
Cremona is famous worldwide for violin craftsmanship, which has a long tradition in the city. Some of the greatest luthiers in history, including Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati, have lived and worked here. Even today, it is possible to visit the workshops of luthiers in Cremona, who create high-quality instruments used by the world's greatest musicians.
Places to visit in Cremona
Cremona is a city rich in art and culture, offering many attractions to its visitors. Among the places to visit are the Giovanni Paolo II Public Gardens, where a statue in honor of the Cremonese composer Claudio Monteverdi is located, and Piazza del Comune, where the Town Hall and the Tower of the Commune stand. Don't miss the Cathedral of Cremona and the Violin Museum, which tells the history of violin making.
Conclusions
Cremona is a city full of charm that will surprise you with its beauty and culture. If you are passionate about violin, you cannot miss this city, which is considered the homeland of luthiers. But Cremona offers much more: churches, museums, palaces, and gardens that will take you on a fascinating journey through art and history. Come and discover Cremona and let yourself be enchanted by its magic!
