Cremona

Cremona, the city of the violin, lies across the Po river in Lombardy — about 50 minutes from the Podere. It's the birthplace of Antonio Stradivari, Andrea Amati and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, the three greatest violin-making families in history, and the tradition continues today with over 170 active workshops. In 2012, Cremona's violin craftsmanship was recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

What to see

The magnificent Piazza del Comune is one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Italy, with the Cathedral (12th century, with a cycle of 16th-century frescoes), the Torrazzo — at 112 metres the tallest medieval brick bell tower in Europe — the octagonal Baptistery (1167), the Loggia dei Militi and the Palazzo del Comune. You can climb the Torrazzo's 502 steps for a panoramic view that stretches from the Po Valley to the Alps on clear days.

The Museo del Violino is the main reason many visitors come to Cremona. Housed in the restored Palazzo dell'Arte, it tells the complete history of violin-making from the 16th century to today. The collection includes instruments by Stradivari, Amati and Guarneri — and in the auditorium, a violinist plays one of these priceless instruments live during scheduled sessions (check the website for times). The acoustic experience is unforgettable.

Stroll through the streets around the piazza to see the violin-makers' workshops (botteghe liutarie) — many have open doors and are happy to show visitors their work. The city is also known for its torrone (nougat), a tradition since the Renaissance.

Practical information

From the Podere, cross the Po river via the A21 motorway (Fidenza–Cremona, about 50 minutes). Parking near the centre: Piazza Marconi or Piazza Cadorna. Allow a half-day for the main attractions, a full day to include workshop visits and a relaxed lunch.