Things to do in Cremona
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Cattedrale
Cremona’s stately Cattedrale started out as a Romanesque basilica, but by the time it was finished in 1190, it was heavily overtaken by Gothic modishness. The main facade also bears some distinct Renaissance touches, in keeping with paintings of the same period by such masters as Boccaccio Boccaccino, Giulio Campi and Gian Francesco Bembo. For some, the remnants of earlier frescoes, uncovered during work in the early 1990s, will be more intriguing. They include a vast scene of the Crucifixion above the central doorway.
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Gaspar Borchardt
Home of the prized Stradivari violin, Cremona is the premier exponent of the delicate art of making the perfect stringed instrument. All of the great violin-making dynasties started here, including Amati, Guarneri and Stradivari.
Today there are 100 violin-making workshops in the streets around the Piazza del Comune that can be visited, including Gaspar Borchardt. The tourist office has a list, and can advise on those where English is spoken.
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Piazza del Comune
Like most Lombard towns, Cremona was an independent comune until the 14th century, when the Viscontis of Milan added it to their growing collection. To maintain the difference between the secular and spiritual, buildings connected with the Church were erected on the eastern side of Piazza del Comune, and those concerned with secular affairs were constructed across the way. On Sundays, the piazza is filled with antique stalls.
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Hosteria ’700
Behind the dilapidated facade and a row of parked cars lurks a sparkling gem. A series of vaulted rooms set a romantic scene for hearty Lombard cooking. Try the marubini al brodo o al burro fuso (meat- and cheese-stuffed disks of pasta in broth or melted butter), a Cremona speciality.
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La Sosta
Surrounded by violin-makers’ workshops, this is a beautiful place to feast on regional delicacies, such as bollito (boiled meats) and cotechino (boiled pork sausage) with polenta and mostarda (fruit in a sweet mustard sauce).
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Triennale Internazionale degli Strumenti ad Arco
Various events dedicated to violin-making take place each year, while the Triennale Internazionale degli Strumenti ad Arco is held in Cremona every third year in October; the next will be in 2009 and 2012.
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Torrazzo
The 11m-tall torrazzo, which translates appropriately to something like ‘great, fat tower’, sports a giant zodiacal clock and is connected to the cathedral by a Renaissance loggia.
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Il 21 w.a.y.
Cremona's hippest new hangout is this restaurant/wine bar, with retro-inspired timber panelling and tiling, modular furniture and fab cocktails. Generous salads feature on the pared-down menu.
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Baptistry
The 12th-century baptistry houses some architectural fragments, including a 12th-century figure of the Archangel Gabriel that once perched on the roof of the baptistry.
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Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli
To hear Cremona's violins in action, the season at the 19th-century Teatro Amilcare Ponchielli runs from October to June; programs and ticket information are posted on its website.
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Osteria Porta Mosa
Dark, polished wood tables are offset by aquamarine decor and art hanging on the walls. The almost sugar-sweet ravioli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) are especially good.
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Collezione gli Archi di Palazzo Comunale
Year-round you can visit the Collezione gli Archi di Palazzo Comunale, featuring instruments from the Stradivari workshop.
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Museo Civico
The Museo Civico has drawings and tools as well as instruments by Amati and Guarneri (plus art and archaeological finds).
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Loggia dei Militi
South of Palazzo Comunale, the smaller porticoed Loggia dei Militi which dates to the 13th century, housed the town's militia.
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Palazzo Comunale
Across the square is Palazzo Comunale which dates to the 13th century. It was, and remains, the town hall.
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Ristorante Centrale
Cosy, historic restaurant renowned for its fresh local cheeses. No credit cards.
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