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Sunday morning in Cremona and the Duomo Square was a-buzz with people getting ready to attend Mass in the Cathedral. We met our guide, Elena Piccioni, outside the tourist office and our tour of Cremona began. We learnt about the history of the great Cathedral with its sixteenth-century Frescos, the Romanesque-style Baptistery and the Torrazzo (Bell Tower) – the tallest bell tower in Europe! The Baptistery had the most amazing acoustics and were in awe at the incredible red brick dome. The Cathedral was one of the most beautiful we’ve seen in Italy. We had just enough time to look around before the service began. As with the Baptistery, the Acoustics were incredible and the church organ was literally music to our ears. The choir accompanied the organ and the sound filled every corner of the Cathedral. It brought a tear to Michelle’s eyes – a true spiritual moment. We slipped out before Mass began to continue our tour of Cremona.

Known for its musical history, Cremona is home to one of the greatest and most famous Luthiers, Antonio Stradivari. Stradivari produced more than 1200 string instruments. We stopped by the Park to visit the monument honoring him and then walked to the Stradivari Museum. First we viewed room after room of 16th and 17th paintings from local Cremonese artists such as Camilo Boccaccino and Giulio Campi and after viewing the masterpieces in Florence elbow to elbow with hundreds of other visitors, it was incredible to the only ones there. We also happened to have timed it just right as whilst we were taking in the art, there was a private concert taking place. Next we moved onto the section of the museum where violin making tools, woods and other artifacts from one of the most famous violin makers are on display as well as information pertaining to the secrets of perfect violin-making, according to the Cremonese classic tradition.

We met up with our friend Pat for an aperitif – Preseco to be exact – before lunch (traditional habit here in Italy). Lunch was at Locanda Torriani. The table settings were elegant, the wine and food beyond delicious – another exquisite meal in Cremona! A quick stop at the curio store and it was time for an afternoon nap.

Tomorrow is our last day in Italy and we plan to visit the nearby town of Mantova, famous for its part in the history of Opera!