The Duomo
Torrazzo
With its 112 meters the Torrazzo tower cannot be missed when you visit Cremona and it has become the symbol of the city . The tower claims to be the third highest brickwork bell tower in the world and the oldest still standing. The tower was built in four stages , the first initiating in 1230. The top marble spire was completed in 1309. The astronomical clock dates from the 16th century and indicates the path of sun and moon through the zodiac as well as hours, days, months and the lunar phases. It still functions (but whether it gives the correct indications?). You may climb the 500 steps (the number differs according to the source, please count them and inform me and I’ll prepare a statistic!) of the stairs to reach the upper floor and enjoy the panorama.
Battistero
On the Piazza del Comune adjacent to the Duomo lies the octagonal baptistery , a 12th century construction but with 16th century adjustments. The original facade of brick was (partly) covered with marble to achieve more unity with the facade of the cathedral and the portico entrance with the lions and upper loggia were added as well. The interior with its beautiful dome may still be admired in its original state. In the center there is a 16th century baptismal font , octagonal as well, of solid red marble. Worth a look are a 14th century crucifixion and other statues and fragments of the Middle Ages. A peculiarity are the incisions on the outer wall facing the Camposanto dei Canonici . Legend has it that these were made by prisoners that were condemned to death and that spent their last night in the chapel.
Palazzo Comunale
Opposite of the Duomo on the Piazza del Comune stands the building of the former city council of the 13th century.The building was largely reconstructed and widened (15th century) and now consists of several porticoes and courtyards. The city tower is enclosed by the structure of the palazzo . In the courtyard there are some fragments of 13th century frescoes .On the first floor there are several interesting rooms such as the Sala del Consiglio (paintings of Miradori, ), the Salone della Consulta , the Sala della Giunta and finally the Saletta dei Violini . The last room holds the city collection of string instruments : Gli Archi di Palazzo Comunale .
Loggia dei Militi
The Loggia dei Militi is one of the historical buildings facing the Piazza del Comune , lying a little aside. It resembles the Palazzo del Comune as well as the Palazzo Cittanova . As the plaque on the facade says, it was built in 1292 and it used to be the place where the communal militia held their meetings. There is just one room on each floor. In the 16th century the building became the courthouse that could only be entered through a small staircase, which the people nicknamed the Scala dei Lupi, the wolves’ staircase. In later times the building was modified, but at the end of the 19th century it was brought back to its original state. The plaque on the facade not only gives the date of construction of the palazzo but also displays the city banner, flanked by four lions that represent the city gates or districts. Under the portico you’ll find the emblem of the city . Two Hercules like figures hold the emblem, Hercules being the founder of the city, according to myth. On the emblem an arm is represented, holding a golden ball . This representation can also be found on a wall in the courtyard of the Palazzo del Comune and is related to an anecdote about the paying of the taxes to the emperor, in the form of a 3 kg golden ball. The mayor Baldesio refused to pay the excessive tax, beat the emperor himself in a duel an kept the ball for the city.
Violins
- an itinerary that explains the construction of a contralto viola
- a display of a group of instruments which represents mainly Italian 19th/20th century violin makers
- the Salabue-Fiorini-Cozio collection proper
Cremona is the city of the violin, as Stradivarius , Guarneri and Amati , amongst others, lived and worked here. The city owns a rich collection of historical string instruments and they are on display in the Palazzo del Comune . The collection can be found on the first floor of the palazzo in the Saletta dei Violini (entrance in the courtyard).
The most important pieces of the collection are:
- Carlo IX di Francia , Andrea Amati, 1566
- La Stauffer , Antonio and Gerolamo Amati, 1615
- L’Hammerle , Nicolò Amati, 1658
- Il Clisbee , Antonio Stradivari, 1669
- Violin by Francesco Ruggeri, 1675
- Il Quarestani , Giuseppe Guarneri, 1689
- ex Cristiani , Antonio Stradivari, 1700
- Il Cremonese , Antonio Stradivari,1715
- Il Vesuvius , Antonio Stradivari, 1727
- Lo Stauffer , Giuseppe Guarneri (detto del Gesù), 1734
- Lo Stauffer , Enrico Ceruti, 1868
- Violin by Simone Fernando Sacconi, 1941
They all have names, like pizza’s, they’re just a bit more expensive.
For those who are very interested it is possible to arrange for a live performance with one of the violins of the collection , but you’ll have to book 15 days in advance (contact ticket office). But if you are lucky, you’ll find Andrea Mosconi playing several of the violins, as he does every day, to keep them in good condition. There is an elevator to grant access to the disabled.
Sperlari
Each year at the end of November the Festa del Torrone is held in Cremona, with events, shows and tastings.