Cremona – the city of music
This ancient city is an architectural gem of Lombardy and has a rich history. Cremona is known for its outstanding sacred monuments and medieval attractions.
This is a place where craftsmanship has turned into true art. Cremona is located on the plains of Southern Lombardy, southeast of Milan.
Cremona was founded in the 5th century BC on the banks of the Po River by the Celts. At the turn of the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, it was transformed into a typical Roman colony – a stronghold at the borders of Cisalpine Gaul. Its prosperity was interrupted in 69 AD by destruction at the hands of Vespasian, who later helped to rebuild it. Then in the 6th century, there were the Gothic wars and the Lombards. Despite this, the city developed quite well, largely thanks to the river port built here. It even became the center of the diocese.
In the mid-16th century, an event occurred here that marked the beginning of the city’s transformation into the world capital of musical instruments – the future founder of the Cremonese violin factory, Andrea Amati, was born here. Besides the Amati dynasty, Cremona was also made famous by other violin makers, primarily the unparalleled Antonio Stradivari, as well as the Guarneri family. Stradivari violins can still be seen in the city’s museum. But violins are still made here, and you can visit one of these workshops. Of course, the violin maker won’t reveal his secrets, but he will tell you many interesting things. And then, of course, you can visit the famous Violin Museum.
Cremona is also the birthplace of one of the greatest composers of the transition period from the Renaissance to Baroque – Claudio Monteverdi.
Today, Cremona is commonly referred to as the city of three “T”s. The three symbols of the city are “Torazza”, “Torrone”, “Tettone”.
“Torazza” – the tower of the Cremona Cathedral. By the way, it is the tallest in Italy and one of the three tallest brick bell towers in the world. 111 meters.
“Torrone” – another pride of the city. A wonderful treat of honey-nut nougat, unmatched in quality. It is believed that the treat made from whipped egg whites, nuts, and honey was invented for the wedding of the Duke of Milan Francesco Sforza and Bianca Visconti. An annual torrone festival is even held in Cremona. People come from all over Italy for it. Cremonese confectioners love to combine the two symbols of the city by making torrone bars in the shape of violins.
The third “T” is more complicated. The thing is, the word “Tette” (“Tettone”) is a playful slang term in Italian for a woman’s bust. According to numerous and diverse legends, the women of this city possess particularly outstanding forms. I think these views can be left to the Cremonese. Let them indulge their vanity. According to the “childish” version, this word refers to the sloping tiled roofs of the city’s buildings.
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