Cremona

Cremona, a decayed city of Northern Italy, on the north bank of the Po, 60 miles SE. of Milan by rail, and 46 E. of Pavia. Cremona has some fine buildings—the principal the cathedral (1107-1606), with gorgeous interior; the neigh- bouring octagonal Baptistery; the Palazzo Publico (1245); the so-called Campo Santo; and the famous Torrazzo (1288) or belfry—the loftiest campanile in Italy, being 396 feet high, and commanding magnificent views over the fertile plains of Milan. By means of the Po, Cremona carries on a considerable trade in the produce of the district; and it has manufactures of silk, cotton, earthenware, and chemicals. In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries it was greatly celebrated for its manufacture of violins, the most famous makers being the Amatis, the Guarneris, and Stradivari (see VIOLIN). Pop. 31,930. Cremona is the capital of a province of the same name; area, 632 sq. m.; pop. (1886) 314,755.