Cremona, Medieval city-state in Lombardy, Italy
Cremona is a commune in the Province of Cremona in Lombardy, Italy, spreading along the northern bank of the Po River. The old town clusters around a central square with medieval buildings made of brick and pale stone, crossed by narrow alleys and wider streets.
The Romans established a military outpost at this site in 218 BC, which later grew into a trading center. In 1098, the settlement gained communal independence and developed into a self-governing city-state in medieval northern Italy.
The name comes from the ancient Roman colony Cremona, founded at a river bend that still shapes the historic core of the settlement. Locals traditionally gather in Piazza del Comune, where cafés under the arcades invite people to linger and the social life of the town unfolds visibly.
The town is easy to explore on foot, as most points of interest lie close together in the historic center. The railway station sits a few minutes' walk south of the old town and offers regular connections to surrounding regions.
In the 16th century, a tradition of violin making began here that continues today and has produced workshops where craftsmen work using historical methods. Visitors can observe the manufacturing process in some studios and experience the fine steps of the craft up close.
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