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Cremona

For motor racing, you’d be looking at the Cremona Circuit. For anything else, try Cremona (disambiguation). Don't get confused.

The name "Cremonese" might point you toward the football club, US Cremonese, or perhaps the local dialect, Cremunés dialect. But we're here to talk about the city itself.

Cremona

Cremùna  (Lombard)

A Comune in Lombardy, Italy.

Comune di Cremona

Panorama of Cremona

Flag
Coat of arms

Cremona

Location of Cremona in Italy Show map of Italy

Cremona

Cremona (Lombardy) Show map of Lombardy

Coordinates: 45°08′00″N 10°01′29″E / 45.13333°N 10.02472°E / 45.13333; 10.02472

Country Italy Region Lombardy Province Cremona (CR)

Government

  • Mayor Andrea Virgilio (PD)

Area [1]

  • Total 69.7 km 2 (26.9 sq mi)

Elevation

  • 47 m (154 ft)

Population (1 January 2021) [2]

  • Total 71,223
  • Density 1,020/km 2 (2,650/sq mi)

Demonym Cremonesi

Time zone UTC+1 (CET)

Postal code 26100 Dialing code 0372 ISTAT code 019036 Patron saint St. Homobonus Saint day 13 November

Website Official website

Map of city centre

Cremona, pronounced /krɪˈmoʊnə/ (Krim-OH-nə), with the UK also /krɛˈ-/ (Krem-), in Italian kreˈmoːna; in Cremunés it's Cremùna; and in Emilian it's Carmona, is a city and comune – that's a municipality, for those who struggle with simple terms – nestled in northern Italy. It resides in the Lombardy region, specifically on the left bank of the mighty Po river, right in the heart of the Po Valley. Cremona serves as the capital of its own province of Cremona, and it’s where the local city and province governments conduct their… business. But what truly sets Cremona apart, what makes it more than just another dot on the map, is its profound musical heritage. This is a place etched into the very fabric of musical history, a cradle for some of the earliest and most revered luthiers. Think of names like Giuseppe Guarneri, Antonio Stradivari, Francesco Rugeri, Vincenzo Rugeri, and of course, several members of the illustrious Amati family. These aren't just names; they are the architects of sound, the masters who shaped the very soul of stringed instruments.

History

Ancient

Celtic Origin

The first whisper of Cremona in the annals of history places it as a settlement of the Cenomani. These were a Gallic, or rather, a Celtic tribe that decided to grace the Po valley with their presence around 400 BC. However, the name Cremona itself? It’s older, much older, and it’s a name that has consistently baffled and intrigued historians, leading to a plethora of rather imaginative, if not entirely accurate, interpretations.

Roman Military Outpost

Then came the Romans. In 218 BC, they decided to plant their flag – and a rather significant military outpost – on this very spot, marking their first colonia north of the Po river. They kept the old name, a nod to whatever ancient roots it possessed. Cremona, along with its neighbor Placentia (which we now know as Piacenza, situated on the south bank of the Po), was established in the same year. Their purpose was clear: to serve as strategic bases for Rome's expansion into what would become the Roman Province of Gallia Cisalpina, or Cisalpine Gaul as it’s more commonly known. The town’s burgeoning importance as a hub for trade wasn't lost on them. It was from Cremona that the Via Brixiana, a crucial Roman road, commenced its journey, connecting it to Brixia, modern-day Brescia.

Cremona rapidly ascended to become one of the most significant settlements in northern Italy. Its strategic position on the main artery linking Genoa to Aquileia, the [Via Postumia], was instrumental in its growth. It even supplied troops to Julius Caesar and, for a time, thrived under his influence. However, loyalties, as they often do, shifted. Cremona later found itself backing Marcus Junius Brutus and the Roman Senate in their power struggle against Augustus. Augustus, upon his victory, showed little leniency. In 40 BC, he confiscated Cremona's lands and parceled them out to his legionaries. Even the renowned poet Virgil, who had attended school in Cremona, was forced to relinquish his ancestral farm, lamenting its unfortunate proximity to "wretched Cremona." He did, eventually, manage to reclaim it, but the experience clearly left its mark.

Destruction

The city's trajectory of prosperity continued unabated until a brutal interruption in 69 AD. During the Second Battle of Bedriacum, Cremona was ruthlessly sacked and reduced to ashes by the forces of Vespasian, led by Marcus Antonius Primus. Their objective was to install Vespasian as Emperor, ousting his rival, Vitellius. The grim details of this sacking were meticulously recorded by the historian Tacitus in his Histories.

While Vespasian did order Cremona to be rebuilt, it seems the city never quite recaptured its former glory. It faded from historical prominence for a considerable period.

Re-emergence

Its presence was noted again in the 6th century, this time as a strategic military outpost for the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire during the tumultuous Gothic War.

Early Middle Ages

When the Lombards swept through much of Italy in the latter half of the 6th century AD, Cremona managed to hold its ground as a Byzantine stronghold, falling under the jurisdiction of the Exarchate of Ravenna. During this period, the city expanded northward and westward, establishing a substantial trenched camp beyond its existing walls.

Lombard Possession

The tide turned in 603 AD when the Lombard King Agilulf conquered Cremona, and, unfortunately for the city, destroyed it once more. Its territory was subsequently carved up and distributed between the duchies of Brescia and Bergamo.

However, a significant shift occurred in 615 AD. Queen Theodelinda, a fervent adherent of Roman Catholicism who was actively engaged in converting her people, intervened. She ordered Cremona to be rebuilt and re-established a bishopric there, a move that signaled a renewed sense of purpose for the city.

Holy Roman Vassal

Over time, the authority within the city increasingly gravitated towards its bishop. Following the conquest of Italy by Charlemagne, the bishopric became a vassal of the Holy Roman Empire. This arrangement, paradoxically, allowed Cremona to steadily grow in power and prosperity. Several of its bishops played notable roles in the 10th and 11th centuries. Bishop Liutprand of Cremona, for instance, was a prominent figure at the Imperial court under the Saxony dynasty. Another, Olderic, secured significant privileges for his city from Emperor Otto III. The city's economy received a considerable boost with the transformation of the former Byzantine fortress into a thriving river port.

Yet, this period wasn't without its internal strife. Bishops Lambert and Ubaldo managed to sow considerable discord between the city's populace and the imperial authority. Emperor Conrad II eventually stepped in to mediate this quarrel, entering Cremona in 1037 alongside the young Pope Benedict IX.

City coat of arms of Cremona on the town hall

Medieval Commune

Under the reign of Henry IV, Cremona demonstrated a bold defiance, refusing to yield to the oppressive taxes levied by the Empire and its bishop. Legend has it that the city's mayor, Giovanni Baldesio, confronted the Emperor himself in a duel. The tale claims that Henry was unhorsed, and in the aftermath, the city was absolved of the annual tribute of a 3 kg (7 lb) golden ball. Instead, this golden ball was purportedly gifted to Berta, Giovanni's sweetheart, as her dowry.

Anti-Empire

The first concrete historical record of a free Cremona emerges in 1093. The city had joined an alliance against the Empire, led by the formidable Mathilde of Canossa, alongside Lodi, Milan, and Piacenza. This conflict ultimately resulted in Cremona gaining control of the Insula Fulcheria, the territory surrounding the nearby city of Crema.

Following this, the newly formed commune engaged in territorial expansion, often clashing with neighboring cities. In 1107, Cremona managed to conquer Tortona, but a mere four years later, its forces suffered a defeat near Bressanoro.

As was common in many northern Italian cities of the era, Cremona was fractured by internal divisions. The populace was split between two rival factions: the Guelphs, who held sway in the newer parts of the city, and the Ghibellines, whose power base was in the older districts. The animosity between these parties was so profound that the Guelphs went so far as to construct a second Communal Palace, the Palazzo Cittanova – the "new city's palace," which still stands today.

Pro-Empire

When Emperor Frederick Barbarossa embarked on his campaigns to assert imperial authority in Italy, Cremona initially aligned itself with him. This alliance was strategic, aimed at securing Barbarossa's support against Crema, which had revolted with the backing of Milan. Cremona's unwavering loyalty to the Empire was rewarded in 1154 with the coveted right to establish its own mint for coining money. In 1162, Imperial and Cremonese troops collaborated in the assault and subsequent destruction of Milan.

The defence of the Carroccio during the battle of Legnano (1176) by Amos Cassioli (1832–1891)

Lombard League

However, the political landscape proved fickle. By 1167, Cremona had a change of heart and joined the ranks of the Lombard League. Its soldiers were part of the victorious army that decisively defeated Barbarossa at the Battle of Legnano on May 29, 1176. Despite this triumph, the Lombard League's unity proved ephemeral. In 1213, at Castelleone, Cremona found itself on the opposing side, defeating a coalition composed of the League of Milan, Lodi, Crema, Novara, Como, and Brescia.

In 1232, Cremona once again shifted its allegiance, this time allying with Emperor Frederick II as he attempted to reassert imperial dominance over northern Italy. The Cremonese forces were on the winning side at the [Battle of Cortenuova], and Frederick subsequently held his court in the city on numerous occasions.

A significant setback occurred at the [Battle of Parma], where the Ghibelline faction suffered a crushing defeat, resulting in the capture of up to two thousand Cremonese soldiers. However, Cremona exacted a measure of vengeance some years later by defeating Parma's army. Under the command of Umberto Pallavicino, Cremonese forces captured Parma's [carroccio]—the battle chariot that served as a symbol of military pride—and, in a display of enduring humiliation, kept the enemy's trousers hanging from the ceiling of Parma's Cathedral for centuries.

In 1301, the city had the distinction of having the troubadour Luchetto Gattilusio serve as its podestà. During this period, Cremona experienced a remarkable flourishing, with its population reportedly reaching as high as 80,000, a figure substantially larger than the 69,000 recorded in 2001.

Seignory Lords

The year 1266 saw the expulsion of Pallavicino from Cremona, marking the end of Ghibelline rule after his successor, Buoso da Dovara, relinquished control to a council of citizens. In 1271, the influential position of Capitano del Popolo ("People's Chieftain") was established.

The Signoria transitioned to the Marquis Cavalcabò Cavalcabò in 1276. He was succeeded in 1305 by his son, Guglielmo Cavalcabò, who held power until 1310. This era was characterized by significant architectural endeavors, including the construction or restoration of numerous edifices. Among these were the belfry of the Torrazzo, the Romanesque church of San Francesco, the transepts of the cathedral, and the Loggia dei Militi. Furthermore, agricultural productivity was enhanced through the development of a new network of canals.

Following periods of foreign incursions, notably that of Emperor Henry VII in 1311, the Cavalcabò family's influence persisted until November 29, 1322. On that date, the more powerful Visconti family, led by Galeazzo I, rose to prominence, establishing a dominance that would endure for approximately a century and a half. The Visconti signoria was punctuated by brief interruptions: in 1327 by Ludwig the Bavarian, in 1331 by John of Bohemia, and in 1403 by a short-lived resurgence of the Cavalcabò. On July 25, 1406, Captain Cabrino Fondulo committed a decisive act, assassinating his employer Ubaldo Cavalcabò along with all the male members of his family, thereby assuming control of Cremona. However, his tenure proved untenable, and he subsequently ceded the city back to the Visconti in exchange for a payment of 40,000 golden florins.

This paved the way for Filippo Maria Visconti to make his signoria hereditary. Cremona became an integral part of the Duchy of Milan, sharing its destiny until the eventual unification of Italy. Under the Visconti and, later, the Sforza dynasties, Cremona experienced a period of considerable cultural and religious development. In 1411, the Palazzo Cittanova became the seat of the university catering to fustian merchants.

The year 1441 marked a significant event: the city hosted the marriage of Francesco I Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti. The ceremony took place in a temple constructed by the Benedictines, which today stands as the church of Saint Sigismund. Local lore attributes the creation of the city's famous nougat, known as torrone, to the festivities surrounding this occasion, though historical evidence suggests this is a more recent, 20th-century fabrication. Ludovico il Moro contributed financially to several building projects, including enhancements to the cathedral, the church of St. Agatha, and the Communal Palace.

In 1446, Cremona found itself besieged by the mercenary troops (condottieri) of Francesco Piccinino and [Luigi dal Verme]. The siege was eventually lifted upon the arrival of Scaramuccia da Forlì from Venice.

Foreign Occupations

Historical flag of the City Cremona in the 17th century Po river in Cremona in the 18th century

From 1499 to 1509, Cremona fell under Venetian control.

Republic of Venice

The victory of the Italian League at the Battle of Agnadello saw the city returned to the Duchy of Milan.

Spain

However, through the provisions of the Treaty of Noyon in 1513, Cremona was assigned to Spain. The city only truly came under its new rulers in 1524, with the surrender of the Castle of Santa Croce. The French were definitively expelled from the duchy two years later, following the Treaty of Madrid. Consequently, Cremona remained a Spanish dominion for an extended period. During this era, several architectural improvements and additions were undertaken. These included the Loggia of the cathedral's Porch, designed by [Lorenzo Trotti] in 1550, and the new church of San Siro and Sepolcro, attributed to Antonio Gialdini in 1614.

The period of Spanish rule was marked by significant hardship for Cremona, including the famine of 1628 and the devastating plague of 1630.

Austria

The duchy experienced a brief French occupation in 1701 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Subsequently, on April 10, 1707, control passed to Austria.

For subsequent historical developments, one would need to consult the broader history of Lombardy.

Government

Demographics

Year Pop. ±%
1861 43,614
1871 43,109 −1.2%
1881 42,250 −2.0%
1901 49,191 +16.4%
1911 55,483 +12.8%
1921 58,450 +5.3%
1931 62,447 +6.8%
1936 64,019 +2.5%
1951 68,636 +7.2%
1961 73,902 +7.7%
1971 82,094 +11.1%
1981 80,929 −1.4%
1991 74,113 −8.4%
2001 70,887 −4.4%
2011 69,589 −1.8%
2021 70,841 +1.8%

Source: ISTAT

Architecture

The Cathedral and the Baptistery of Cremona City hall (Palazzo del Comune) The Loggia dei Militi Astronomical clock on the Torrazzo belltower

Churches

The Cremona Cathedral, standing adjacent to the Baptistery, presents one of northern Italy's most significant collections of Romanesque-Gothic art. It’s a place that demands your attention, not just for its age, but for the sheer artistry and history it embodies.

Beyond the cathedral complex, Cremona boasts a number of other notable churches:

Buildings

Cremona's skyline is punctuated by structures that speak volumes about its past and its enduring legacy:

  • The Torrazzo: This isn't just any bell tower; it's the third-tallest brickwork bell tower in all of Europe. A testament to architectural ambition and enduring craftsmanship.
  • [Loggia dei Militi]: A significant historical building that reflects the city's communal past.
  • Palazzo Cittanova: As mentioned earlier, this was the "new city's palace," a symbol of Guelphic power.
  • Palazzo Fodri: Another noteworthy palace contributing to the city's architectural richness.
  • Palazzo Comunale: The main town hall, a center of civic life for centuries.
  • [Cremona Courthouse]: A place where justice, or at least its semblance, has been dispensed.
  • [Teatro Ponchielli]: A venue for the performing arts, carrying forward Cremona's cultural traditions.
  • Museo Berenziano
  • Museo della Civiltà Contadina: A museum dedicated to rural civilization, offering a glimpse into the agricultural life that sustained the region.
  • [Museo Civico Ala Ponzone]: A civic museum housing a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
  • Museo del violino: The Violin Museum. Naturally. A pilgrimage site for anyone interested in the instruments that made this city legendary.

Economy

Cremona's economic lifeblood is intrinsically tied to the agricultural bounty of its surrounding countryside. Its food industries are particularly notable, specializing in salted meats, the iconic torrone (nougat), vegetable oils, and renowned cheeses like grana padano and provolone. Don't forget the "mostarda," a unique preparation of candied fruit preserved in a spicy mustard-flavored syrup, typically served alongside meats and cheeses – a true taste of the region. On the industrial front, Cremona is involved in heavy industries, including steel production, oil processing, and operates an electric power plant. The city's river port, leveraging the Po river, serves as a crucial node for transporting goods via barges.

Music

Statue of Stradivari in Stradivari Square Lady Blunt Stradivarius Violin shop

Cremona's reputation as a musical mecca is not merely historical; it's a living, breathing entity. The 12th-century cathedral wasn't just a place of worship; it was a hub for organized musical activity in the region during the late Middle Ages. By the 16th century, the town had firmly established itself as a preeminent musical center. To this day, Cremona hosts significant ensembles dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque music, such as the Choir & Consort Costanzo Porta, and its festivals continue to solidify its status as a vital musical destination in Italy.

The composer [Marc'Antonio Ingegneri] tutored there, and his most celebrated student was none other than Claudio Monteverdi, who departed for Mantua in 1591. Cremona also claims the birth of [Pierre-Francisque Caroubel], a collaborator of the esteemed German composer [Michael Praetorius]. The city's influence even reached the highest echelons of the Church; the bishop of Cremona, Nicolò Sfondrati, a staunch advocate of the Counter-Reformation, ascended to the papacy as Pope Gregory XIV in 1590. His fervent patronage of music only amplified the town's renown as a musical capital.

However, it is Cremona's legacy as a center for musical instrument manufacture, particularly from the 16th century onwards, that truly sets it apart. The violins crafted by the Amati and Rugeri families, and later the masterpieces from the workshops of Guarneri and Stradivari, are considered the absolute zenith of string instrument making. Their handmade creations are still revered today, and Cremona continues to be a place where high-quality instruments are produced. You can witness these rare examples firsthand by visiting the local Museo del Violino. In 2012, the " Traditional violin craftsmanship in Cremona " was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The international community acknowledges the unique, handcrafted process employed by Cremona's artisans in creating bowed string instruments, assembled and shaped by hand without any industrial shortcuts.

Cremona also nurtured a strong band tradition, rooted in the Guardia nazionale established under Napoleonic influence. In 1864, the native composer Amilcare Ponchielli took the helm, creating what is often regarded as one of the greatest bands of all time. In his capacity as capobanda, Ponchielli founded a band school and fostered a tradition that only began to wane with the onset of World War I.

Transport

The Cremona railway station, inaugurated in 1863, serves as a terminus for six distinct railway lines. These lines primarily handle regional (semi-fast) and local services, connecting Cremona to a network of important destinations.

Key routes include connections to Pavia, Mantua, Milan, Treviglio, Parma, Brescia, Piacenza, and Fidenza.

Sport

Football (Football (soccer)) reigns supreme as Cremona's favorite sport. The local team, US Cremonese, has had stints in Serie A, boasting renowned players such as Aristide Guarneri, Emiliano Mondonico, Antonio Cabrini, and Gianluca Vialli – all of whom have ties to the city or its surrounding areas. The club's most triumphant period arguably occurred in the early 1990s, under the presidency of Domenico Luzzara and the coaching of Gigi Simoni. During this era, the team managed to maintain its place in Serie A for three consecutive seasons, even achieving a tenth-place finish in one championship. A particularly glorious moment was their victory over the English team Derby County in the final to clinch the Anglo-Italian Cup on March 27, 1993. This win made US Cremonese the second Italian team in history to triumph at the original Wembley. For the 2025-26 season, US Cremonese is competing in Serie A.

By the 1980s, Cremona had also cultivated a strong basketball tradition. This legacy is currently carried forward by Vanoli Basket, a team based in Soresina but which typically plays its home games in Cremona.

The city also supports a waterpolo club that competes in regional divisions. Furthermore, there's a century-old tradition in rowing and canoe racing, with three distinct clubs situated along the Po river having trained numerous world and Olympic champions.

Twin towns — sister cities

Cremona maintains active partnerships with the following cities:

Notable people

Cremona has been the birthplace or adopted home of a remarkable array of individuals:

  • Publius Quinctilius Varus (46 BC – AD 9), a Roman general and politician whose career took a disastrous turn in Germania.
  • Marcus Furius Bibaculus (c. 103 BC – ? BC), a Roman poet known for his satirical verse, though much of his work is now lost.
  • Liutprand of Cremona (c. 920 – 972), a bishop of Cremona, historian, and diplomat whose writings offer valuable insights into 10th-century European politics.
  • Saint Homobonus (12th century), the revered patron saint of Cremona, also recognized as the patron of business people, tailors, shoemakers, and clothworkers.
  • Gerard of Cremona (c. 1114 – 1187), a pivotal figure in the history of science, renowned for his translation of crucial scientific texts from Arabic into Latin, significantly enriching Western knowledge.
  • Sicard of Cremona (1155–1215), a prominent prelate, historian, and writer of his time.
  • Bernardino Ricca (1450–?), a painter whose contributions to the art of the period are documented.
  • Filippo de Lurano (c. 1475 – after 1520), an Italian composer of the Renaissance whose musical works have been preserved.
  • Marco Girolamo Vida (c. 1489 – 1566), a distinguished scholar, celebrated Latin poet, and bishop, known for his erudition.
  • Altobello Melone (c. 1490 – before 1543), an Italian painter of the Renaissance whose artistic style is recognized.
  • Francesco and Giuseppe Dattaro (c. 1495 – 1576 & c. 1540 – 1616), a father and son duo of architects who left their mark on the city's built environment.
  • Girolamo del Prato (16th century), a sculptor and craftsman whose work contributed to the artistic landscape.
  • Gianello della Torre (c. 1500 – 1585), an Italo-Spanish artisan renowned as a clockmaker, engineer, and mathematician.
  • Giulio Campi (1500–1572), a prominent Italian painter of the Renaissance.
  • Andrea Amati (1505–1577), the foundational figure of the Amati family of luthiers, often credited with developing the modern violin form.
  • Bernardino Campi (1522–1592), another significant painter from the Renaissance period.
  • Costanzo Porta (c. 1528 – 1601), an Italian composer whose works are representative of the late Renaissance musical style.
  • Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1532 – 1625), a celebrated painter of the Renaissance, known for her insightful portraits.
  • Benedetto Pallavicino (c. 1551 – 1601), an Italian composer and organist whose music belongs to the late Renaissance.
  • Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643), a towering figure in music history, bridging the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras with his groundbreaking compositions.
  • Giulio Calvi (c. 1570 – 1596), an Italian painter active during the Renaissance.
  • Luca Cattapani (born c. 1570), an Italian painter whose work exemplifies the late-Renaissance style.
  • Gaspare Aselli (1581–1626), a physician who made significant contributions to the understanding of the circulatory system.
  • Tarquinio Merula (1595–1665), an Italian composer, organist, and violinist of the early Baroque period.
  • Nicolò Amati (1596–1684), a master luthier of the Amati family, whose instruments are highly prized.
  • Francesco Rugeri (c. 1628–1698), a luthier from the renowned Rugeri family.
  • Antonio Stradivari (c. 1644–1737), the most famous luthier of all time, whose instruments are synonymous with perfection in violin making.
  • Vincenzo Rugeri (1663–1719), another skilled luthier from the Rugeri lineage.
  • Luigi Guido Grandi (1671–1742), a multifaceted individual – monk, priest, philosopher, theologian, mathematician, and engineer.
  • Giuseppe Guarneri (1698–1744), a member of the Guarneri family, another titan of lutherie, whose instruments are highly sought after.
  • Francesco Bianchi (1752–1810), an Italian opera composer whose works were popular in his time.
  • Giovanni Pallavera (1818–1886), a painter who contributed to the artistic traditions of the region.
  • Amilcare Ponchielli (1834–1886), a celebrated composer, most famous for his opera La Gioconda.
  • Eugenio Beltrami (1835–1900), a brilliant mathematician whose work had a significant impact on mathematical physics.
  • Arcangelo Ghisleri (1855–1938), an Italian geographer, writer, and a socialist politician.
  • Leonida Bissolati (1857–1920), a leading figure in the Italian socialist movement at the turn of the 19th century.
  • Alve Valdemi del Mare (1885–1972), a painter whose artistic career spanned several decades.
  • Primo Mazzolari (1890–1959), a priest and writer known for his spiritual and social writings.
  • Roberto Farinacci (1892–1945), a prominent fascist politician in Italy.
  • Aldo Protti (1920–1995), an Italian baritone opera singer with a notable career.
  • Ugo Tognazzi (1922–1990), a highly acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter in Italian cinema.
  • Mina (born 1940), an iconic Italian singer, often nicknamed "the Tiger of Cremona."
  • Giovanni Lucchi (1942–2012), a distinguished bowmaker, continuing Cremona's tradition of fine craftsmanship.
  • Franco Mari (born 1947), an Italian actor and comedian.
  • Sergio Cofferati (born 1948), a member of the European Parliament and former mayor of Bologna.
  • Massimo Capra (born 1960), an Italian-born Canadian celebrity chef, known for his culinary expertise.
  • Sandrone Dazieri (born 1964), a successful crime writer.
  • Alessandro Magnoli Bocchi (born 1968), an Italian economist.
  • Chiara Ferragni (born 1987), a globally recognized blogger, businesswoman, fashion designer, and model.
  • Quartetto di Cremona (formed 2000), a highly regarded Italian string quartet.

Sport

  • Oreste Perri (born 1951), a sprint canoeist in the 1970s and later served as the mayor of Cremona from 2009 to 2014.
  • Antonio Cabrini (born 1957), a legendary footballer and later a manager.
  • Gianluca Vialli (1964–2023), a celebrated footballer and manager, deeply connected to Cremona.
  • Manolo Guindani (born 1971), a retired footballer and manager.
  • Giacomo Gentili (born 1997), a world champion rower.

Climate

Climate data for Cremona (1981–2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	4.9 (40.8)	7.5 (45.5)	13.5 (56.3)	17.6 (63.7)	23.2 (73.8)	27.4 (81.3)	29.9 (85.8)	29.0 (84.2)	24.2 (75.6)	17.5 (63.5)	10.4 (50.7)	6.0 (42.8)	17.6 (63.7)
Daily mean °C (°F)	2.4 (36.3)	4.3 (39.7)	9.4 (48.9)	13.4 (56.1)	18.8 (65.8)	22.7 (72.9)	25.1 (77.2)	24.5 (76.1)	20.1 (68.2)	14.4 (57.9)	8.0 (46.4)	3.8 (38.8)	13.9 (57.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	−0.1 (31.8)	1.1 (34.0)	5.3 (41.5)	9.2 (48.6)	14.3 (57.7)	17.9 (64.2)	20.3 (68.5)	20.0 (68.0)	16.0 (60.8)	11.3 (52.3)	5.6 (42.1)	1.6 (34.9)	10.2 (50.4)
Average Precipitation mm (inches)	63 (2.5)	61 (2.4)	66 (2.6)	77 (3.0)	71 (2.8)	69 (2.7)	53 (2.1)	70 (2.8)	62 (2.4)	100 (3.9)	100 (3.9)	67 (2.6)	859 (33.7)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm)	7	6	7	7	8	6	5	5	4	7	8	6	76

*Source 1: Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (precipitation 1951–1980) [29] *Source 2: Climi e viaggi (precipitation days) [30]