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10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

We propose 10 good reasons to visit Cremona to help you plan a sojourn to this beautiful province. The city is easy to get around on foot, plus it is surrounded by a suggestive natural landscape and plenty of opportunities to taste its fine cuisine. 

Start by visiting the Torrazzo, go to the top and admire the urban skyline from above. Afterwards head to the Cathedral or Duomo standing beside it, this structure is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

If you wish to get in close contact with the crafting that has made this land into a cherished destination for music lovers all over the world, go to the Violin Museum. It showcases numerous unique items created by Antonio Stradivari. You can also explore his old residence and walk among the workshops of violinmaking masters who still work using classic techniques. This craft is considered an art so refined that it makes part of Unesco's Intangible Heritage.

Stroll along the shores of the Po river and make use of its assorted cycling network or take a brief waterway cruise and relax. Amongst these 10 hints we give you in this list, it is a good idea to delight your palate with a piece of Torrone nougat or local cheeses like Grana Padano or Provolone.

Browse amid the following reasons to visit and enjoy our territory. 

It is a sweet destination
The scent of honey and toasted almonds evokes a festive atmosphere. The nougat or torrone is a major holiday dessert that originates in Cremona. It is displayed in the finest bakeries and there is an annual fair dedicated to it, which attracts thousands of visitors.
It is the city of music
It cannot be otherwise since it harbors the one of a kind Violin Museum. Various instruments are showcased here, among them those made by Antonio Stradivari, plus displays that narrate the origins and history of violins. Once e you're outside, go to Stradivari's House and the luthiers' workshops, where master artisans still work using classic methods.
Local "know-how" is part of Unesco's heritage
The craft of Cremona's luthiery has been declared as immaterial World Heritage by Unesco. This artisan knowledge has been from generation to generation as an expression of traditions that have distinguished the city's image and development. Violins are a local expressions of art and symbols.
It is a blast from the past
See menacing T-Rexes in the middle of a prairie, a Mammoths and a Brontosaurus not far from them. The Rivolta d'Adda Prehistoric Park will take you to a distant past. Perfect to treat children with a unique experience!
Just stop at the second "T"
Turon, turas e… Let us just stop at the middle of this notorious Cremonese phrase.Check out the Torrazzo, nowadays a city landmark that overhangs the neighboring Duomo with its incredible height. Beat the fear of heights and climb to the top: all of Cremona will be at your feet.
Its river is a great experience
The Po River is quite an attraction in Cremona. It is an opportunity to be outdoors and organize excursions for the whole family. If you wish to spend a quieter time, it is possible to choose to cruise around the river; while nature enthusiasts can take a walk at the former Po Colonies Park or the Parco al Po, full of trails and instruments for leisure and rest. If you travel by bike, there are bicycle lanes that flank the banks or plow the nearby towpaths that distinguish the entire Province.
It will whet your appetite
Not just its nougat. Cremona is famous for its mostarda, this candied fruit condiment is produced in its sweeter or piquant varieties. It goes perfectly with the Gran Bollito Cremonese, a dish that comprises at least 5 cuts of boiled meat, toungue and salami and local cheeses such as the Grana Padano, Valpadanian Provolone and Salva Cremasco, all of them DOP cheeses. Let us not forget about cold cuts like the Salame Cremona IGP and the Cotechino Vaniglia. Where can you taste all these delicacies? Just take Cremona's Strada del Gusto in the land of Stradivari, which comprises certified restaurants and rural tourism places.
It has places that try to steal the spotlight from it…
Cremona will astonish you with its colorful roads, red roofs overlooked by the Torrazzo and ancient monuments. The neighboring Crema offers its rich historical and cultural heritage. As a matter of fact, it wins visitors over with its Lombard-Gothic style Cathedral, the Civic Museum, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Croce and the majestic Palazzo Terni. Let's not forget about its scrumptious tortelli! (ph: Amedeo Tacchinardi)
...while other try to steal it back!
There are the walled cities of Pizzighettone and Soncino: their discreet charm, monuments and relaxing environment. The former welcomes you with some of the country's most imposing walls, walking trails along the guarding road and the Watchtower. The latter is encircled by massive brick walls, famous for its Castle, which currenty hosts exhibitions, and the Press Museum.
It counts with quite famous "vegetables"
Although its real name translates as "Vegetables' Joke", it is known by everybody as the Ortolano (Vegetables Man). It is one of Arcimboldo's masterpieces displayed at the Museo Civico Ala Ponzone in Cremona.

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