Music&Culture

www.cremonahotels.it

Museo del Violino

Groups visiting MDV Audioguides and guided tours. A de- tailed audioguide and multimedia sta- tions in every room will accompany visitors along their journey through the world of string instruments, allowing them to develop their own modular, flex- ible itineraries. As sensory experiences and the transmission of knowledge in- tersect, both laypeople and expert con- noisseurs will find new material and new inspiration for further investigation. The audioguide in Italian or English is pro- vided free at the entrance, and special- ist guides are available upon request, if booked in advance. Children. At the Museo del Violino, even mino boiocchi © copyright photo:

the youngest visitors can discover the world of precious and unusual musical instruments and curious objects with a touch of magic about them. A special multimedia itinerary will reveal the fascinating skill of the violin maker, who today, just as in the past, is able to take wood and varnishes prepared with special alchemy and draw from them a sound as sweet, melodious and expressive as the human voice. Workshops and education. The MdV offers a wide range of educational activities and workshops for children and teenagers, who can explore the fascinating world of Cremo- nese string instruments and the artisans who made them. The thematic visits and pro- grammes are based around itineraries differentiated by age and skill level, allowing every- one to discover the pleasure of learning though fun and enjoyable activities. photo: mino boiocchi © copyright photo:

Booking essential. Performances on historical violins. Why do the world’s most famous musi- cians choose instruments made by Strad- ivari, Guarneri and Amati? Because of their excellent sound. At the Museo del Violino, it is possible to hear – live – the voices of these masterpieces, entrusted to the expert hands of skilled soloists, offer- ing visitors an experience of intense and unforgettable poetry.

Booking essential. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am - 6 pm Ticket Office: Tel (+39) 0372 080809 Booking: Tel (+39) 0372 801801 mail: [email protected] photo: mino boiocchi © copyright photo: Strategical position

Cremona is situated in a strategic position because of its centrality compared to the great cities of northern Italy: - 70 km from Garda Lake; - 85 km from Milan; - 70 Km from Parma; - 42 km from - 210 km from - 184 km from La Spezia - 150 km from Maggiore Lake The hotels

Fitness area and relax, art gallery A courtyard garden reserves another and free wifi area. Loading and un- surprise: conceptually it has no walls; loading area. Private and covered three big screens covers the wall with garage 10 meters far away. images. Dellearti Design Hotel is located in via The hotel’s adjacent area populated Bonomelli 8, only 50 meters far from with typical restaurants, bar, confec- “Torrazzo” highest medieval bell tower tioneries and violin making labs. in Europe, alongside the cathedral and the magnificent Duomo square. All rooms equipped with led tv with mediaset premium channels, fast in- ternet connection via fiber optic, work- Dellearti design Hotel desk, mini-bar and safe. A comfortable Via Bonomelli, 8 breakfast room in an exhibition space tel. +39 0372 23131 that houses modern and contemporary fax +39 0372 21654 works, center of an artistic hub that [email protected] winds throughout the hotel and the in- www.cremonahotels.it ner courtyard. Mezzanine with library and reading Stars: 4 superior Number of rooms: room and business center. 33 including 01 junior suite, 02 pent- Guests have access to a meeting room house suites and conferences with 28 places and re- Ideal for: business stay, holidays, wee- lax services like “Physiotherm” Infrared end, for individual guests and little woody Cabin, Jacuzzi and fitness room. groups. Just 50 m. from Duomo and Torrazzo Meeting rooms: 2 The hotels

Position: (PalaRadi) and the railway station. 800 meters from the historical Centre; In front of the Hotel the greatest free 1 km from the highway; public parking for cars and touristic 1 km from the Trade Fair; busses. Hotel Continental is the best Loading and unloading area: opportunity to lodge big groups. in front of the Hotel. The modern Congress Centre offers a Big and free public parking 50 meters big meeting room that can accommo- from the Hotel (for cars and touristic date up to 100 people and three small busses) rooms for assemblies. All rooms are bright, have panoramic The new Hotel Continental proposes view and modern equipment. big news for all needs. From the historic Hotel in , a very new Design Roof garden Restaurant offers to our Hotel, business type, built according to guests a suggestive panorama view Hotel Continental the criteria of the most innovative ener- of the Torrazzo and the flavors of a Piazza Libertà, 26 gy savings with minimal environmental traditional local way of cooking. Open to tel. +39 0372 434141 impact and minimal consumption and anyone, is ideal for a business breakfast, fax +39 0372 454873 the following characteristics: 4 inches a romantic dinner or an important [email protected] coat on all facades, photovoltaic system, celebration, from the birthday party to www.cremonahotels.it heat pump, lift with energy recovery, the wedding. furniture made with environmentally Our staff service is always attentive Stars: 4 friendly glue. and friendly and the creativity of our Rooms Number: 63 including Hotel Continental, is in a strategic chefs and pastry masters will make any 7 Studios for Families. position at the entry of Cremona, near occasion a success. Ideal for: Businesses stay, Holiday, the historical center, the highway, the Connected to Hotel Hall, Our Kind week-end, for individual and groups Trade-fair, the football stadium (Zini Customer can have a smart stay at our Meeting Rooms: 2 stadium), the basketball stadium welcoming Pizzeria La Pizza d’Autore. Wi-fi area: free Roof garden Restaurant at 4th floor La Pizza d’Autore: Small Pizzeria at Hall/entrance level Breakfast Room at “Bistrot” Honesty Bar Lenny’s The hotels The hotels

end, for individual and group-tours Marconi or private car parking 300 Meeting rooms: 1 - FreeWi-fi area meters away. WI-FI free in all rooms and Position: heart of historical centre “Fondriest” bicycles renting . The meeting with Cathedral and Torrazzo view room Monteverdi can accommodate Loading and unloading area: in up to 60 people in theatre style or can front of the Hotel. be organized in U Shape Style. It is New and central covered parking equipped with speakers, microphones, (Piazza Marconi), 50 meters from flipchart, fast internet connection and the hotel. video projector. Breakfast Buffet with typical local products, and awarded Hotel Impero is located in the medieval cold cuts as prosciutto cotto stella from heart of Cremona, 50 meters from the Negroni. Hotel Impero is the perfect famous Piazza del Duomo, the Torraz- location to know the refined architectonic zo and the same distance from MDV beauty of the town and to appreciate the Hotel Impero Piazza della Pace, 21 International Museum of Violins extraordinary welcome of its historical, tel. +39 0372 413013 (www.museodelviolino.org) the best monumental and cultural centre, the fax +39 0372 457295 restaurants of the historical center. violin maker workshops, the Café, the [email protected] The Hotel hosts 53 rooms all decorated pastry stores with their delicious selection www.cremonahotels.it in the Imperial style and new parquet of traditional taste and the old trattorias floorings. Smart and bright, they where you can taste the fine local food. offer a dignified warmth to the most 50 meters from the Torrazzo, 50 meters Stars: 4 exigent guests and a suggestive view from the Violin International Museum Rooms: 53 of the Cathedral and the picturesque and from the covered parking in Piazza Rooms Types: 12 single classic, pedestrian square in front of the ancient Marconi. 17 double superior, 19 double classic, Municipal Building. 3 triple classic, 2 triple superior. Services: car parking 50 meters far in Ideal for: business stay, Holiday, week- the modern covered parking in Piazza Foto di Ernesto “Liutaio al lavoro” di Fazioli Foto The Itineraries A sample of a cultural Tour around Cremona (catchment area 1 hour by coach)

Verona's Arena

The River Po

Parma's Duomo Milano's Duomo

made by Stradivari, Amati, Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, audition of an an- cient violin and to discover the secrets neristic: it’s one of the most outstanding of the ancient art of violin making also cycles of Renaissance painting, that was following the skilled hands of one of the called “the Sistine Chapel of Northern numerous craftsmen of Cremona, the The following is a sample of our sug- Italy” by the famous history of arts critic most important market place for vio- gested guided (with the assistance Roberto Longhi. lin-making worldwide of our experienced professional Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall touristic guides) tours in a catch- Palace) and its free entrance halls, Day 2: Parma ment area of at least 1 hour by coach small picture gallery of the 17th Cen- Morning around Cremona. tury, featuring the masterpiece of the The romanesqueCathedral with The length and days of this experi- most important painter of the period: the dome decorated by Correggio and ence will be tailored made to the re- Luigi Miradori. the famous Deposition: the first dated quests of the customers due to their Cooking school: how to make sculpture of Benedetto Antelami job schedules at EXPO 2015 in Mi- marubini (typical local filled pasta) The Baptistery, well-known world- lan. and ... enjoy eating them! wide for the wonderful decorations Afternoon both in- side and outside Day 1: Cremona Theatre Ponchielli: the stage, the TheRegio Theatre Morning galleries, the “ridotto” (hall for resting Cooking specialties of the Emilia The Cathedral, to be astonished by and chatting after the performances), Romagna Region: torta fritta (fried the frescoes of the central nave dating the royal box, the dressing rooms ... all pasta), prosciutto di parma, tortellini back to the 16th Century: the first are the secrets of the theatre (filled pasta served with butter) and classical, then follow the anti-classical MDV Museo del Violino Ancient Lambrusco, the red tannic wine …melt- ones and the last ones already man- Violin Collection with instruments ing fats Afternoon Special tasting lunch with Valpolicella the Navigli (waterways), very close Busseto or Sant’Agata villages, wines. to the wonderful San Lorenzo and on the Verdi steps. The Romanesque Afternoon Sant’Eustorgio basilicas. The Itineraries Cathedral of Fidenza: a visit here helps Sirmione and Desenzano, the ro- understanding peace and meditation man villas and the ancient Antonino Day 7: and Cremona of the romanesqueart. Coming back to itinerary Morning Cremona: tasting of Parmigiano reg- The magnificentCertosa of Pavia. giano (seasoned cheese) and culatello. Day 6: Milan Special tasting lunch with Oltrepo Musical dinner in Cremona. Morning wines. Duomo square and the Scala Afternoon Day 3: Mantova Museum: to know the history of Ital- Visit of an organ restoration workshop ian opera The Ultima cena (Last sup- and organ concert in a church of the Morning per) of Leonardo Cremona district. Piazza Sordello, Palazzo Duca- le, The Bibiena Theatre or Palaz- Afternoon zo Te planned and decorated by Giulio The Brera picture gallery or Info & Booking: Romano (great exhibition in 2013) or the Sforzesco Castle with the an- www.cremonahotels.it the navigation on the lakes surrounding cient musical instrument collection. e-mail: [email protected] the town to enjoy the view of the complex Shopping time and happy hour on Telephone. + 39 0372 23131 of the castle of San Giorgio. The risotto alla pilota (rice with fresh sausage), traditional popular dish in memory of Tazio Nuvolari. Afternoon: The città ideale (perfect town) of Sabbioneta, belonging to the Unesco heritage. Visit of a workshop of mostarda (fruits or vegetables in a mustard syrup) following the old Re- nessance recipe, with final tasting.

Day 4: Franciacorta and Val Camonica Morning The famous Franciacorta: the monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa, the lo- cal park of Torbiere (peat-moss) and a cantina (bottle cellar) of the sparkling Franciacorta wine. The lake fish of Montisola, the peaceful isle in the centre of the Iseo The Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia -Gratiarum Chartusia) lake, to be reached by ship: no cars, fish- ers, crafts- men and good fish. Afternoon Val Camonica (North of Iseo lake), an interesting valley that has al- ways been independing from Brescia, with some outstanding places: rock art of the middle valley, Unesco heritage, and the numerous churches entirely deco- rated by Pietro da Cemmo (late 15th cen- tury) and by Romanino (16th century).

Day 5: Following the steps of the Romans between Verona and the Garda Lake Morning Verona: the roman city, with the fa- mous Arena, the roman theatre. The Itineraries

Antonio stradivari

Violin's Collection Room for auditions

famous Deposition: the first dated sculpture of Benedetto Antelami The Baptistery, well-known worldwi- numerous craftsmen of Cremona, the de for the wonderful decorations both most important market place for vio- inside and outside. lin-making worldwide The Regio Theatre. Cooking school: how to make maru- Cooking specialties of the Emilia Day 1: Cremona bini (typical local filled pasta) and ... : torta fritta (fried The Cathedral, to be astonished by the Romagna region frescoes of the central nave dating back enjoy eating them! pasta), prosciutto di Parma, tortellini to the 16th Century: the first are classi- The Ponchielli Theatre: the stage, the (filled pasta served with butter) and the cal, then follow the anti-classical ones galleries, the “ridotto” (hall for resting red tannic wine ... melting fats! and the last ones already manneristic: and chatting after the performances), Busseto or Sant’Agata villages, on the it’s one of the most outstanding cycles of the royal box, the dressing rooms ... all Verdi steps. Renaissance painting, that was called the secrets of the theatre. Ancient Vio- The romanesque Cathedral of Fi- “the Sistine Chapel of Northern Italy” by lin Collection with instruments made denza: a visit here helps understanding the famous history of arts critic Rober- by Stradivari, Amati, Giuseppe Guar- peace and meditation of the romane- neri del Gesù (since May 2012 in the sque art to Longhi. Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall Palace) and its free entrance halls, new Violin Museum of Piazza Marco- Coming back to Cremona: tasting of small picture gallery of the 17th Cen- ni in the rationalist Palazzo dell’Arte) parmigiano reggiano (seasoned cheese) tury, featuring the masterpiece of the Audition of an ancient violin or of a and culatello. most important painter of the period: new one in the fascinating Baptistery Musical dinner in Cremona. Luigi Miradori Workshop of the violin-maker: to Day 2: Parma Day 3: Cremona by bike discover the secrets of this ancient art, The romanesqueCathedral with the The bikes of the Municipality of Cremo- following the skilled hands of one of the dome decorated by Correggio and the na are at disposal of groups just in front of the Impero Hotel. This is the perfect with freascoes dating back to 16th and special audition of an historical instru- way to discover corners and squares of 17th Century. The “New City”, with the ment in the Cremona district. Guided a town like Cremona, completely plain; Palazzo Cittanova and Sant’Agata tasting of typical cremonese products The Itineraries moreover you can easily reach places church, with the painting of the saint and free time for shopping. that are a little bit far away from the dating back to the 13th Century and city centre. This itinerary can be made the surprising cycle of Giulio Campi Info & Booking: also by coach anyway. The magnifi- frescoes in the apse. Light lunch in a www.cremonahotels.it cent church of San Sigismondo, build wine-shop back down town. Naviga- email: [email protected] or on the spot where the marriage between tion along the Po river, a relaxing and [email protected] Bianca Maria Visconti and Francesco fascinating one hour trip, discovering Tel.: +39 0372 23131 Sforza was celebrated, close to the city the “Great river” secrets, so close and so Fax: +39 0372 21654 centre but already surrounded by the unique. Or, as an alternative: visit of cremonese plain, completely covered an organ restoration workshop, with

National Verdi’s Museum @ Busseto Parma’s Regio Theater

Parma’s Baptistery The Itineraries

The most important day

Bianca Maria Visconti's wedding

scribed as a united couple and France- sco speaks frequently in her praise and in many occasions does he appoint her and from that day on it will be the Vi- his regent, as it is testified by Francesco’s sconti and Sforza families together that words: “poniamo a capo di tutta la no- will lead the . stra provincia l’inclita e illustre nostra To get married in Cremona means On 25th October 1441 it is in Cremo- consorte Bianca Maria [...] le affidiamo to live again the romantic experience na that the celebrations took place, tutto il governo della medesima [pro- of a famous couple of the past: Bianca lasting several days, including matches, vincial], affinché la prudenza, l’equità, Maria Visconti, the daughter of the tournaments and a sumptuous ban- la clemenza e la grandezza d’animo, Duke of Milan, and Francesco Sfor- quet, during which the chef invented a virtù [...] delle quali la nostra consorte za. In 1441 Bianca Maria falls in love sweet with eggs, almonds and honey, è per natura e per educazione grande- with Francesco Sforza, an army leader reminding of the shape of the Torrazzo, mente fornita [...]” (“all our district will without noble titles. Her father Filippo the high tower of the central square of be leaded by our excellent and famed Maria Visconti would prefer another Cremona, symbol of the town. From wife Bianca Maria [...] to whom we son-in-law and opposes the marriage, “Torrione” (medieval name for Torraz- delegate the government of the same but Bianca Maria, a brave and self- zo) to “Torrone” (Italian word for nou- [distric]), so that prudence, fairness, willed lady, devises a plan: she organi- gat): so that sweet, Torrone, has become mildness and magnanimity, virtues [...] zes the marriage with the beloved Fran- one of the symbols of the town. with which our wife is greatly endowed cesco, thanks to the help of some monks Moreover Bianca Maria donated some by nature and by education [...]”) living in a monastery close to the city of money to the monks who had helped Bianca Maria helps her husband when Cremona, far away from her father’s her, to build up the magnificent church he has to take diplomatic decisions eyes, who lives in Milan. of San Sigismondo, in homage to the during the whole governing period of After the marriage, Bianca Maria’s fa- new dynasty. Francesco Sforza. ther can do nothing against God’s will Bianca Maria and Francesco are de- The romantic history of Bianca Maria and Francesco ends in 1466, but the spi- morning tasting of pastries, to appre- Day 5: Milan rit of their love is still alive in Cremona. ciate the great confectionary tradition Duomo square and the Scala Museum: Day 1: of Cremona. The Città Nuova (new to know the history of Italian opera. The Itineraries town): to be reached by bike, where the The Ultima cena (Last supper) of Leo- the marriage in Cremona Palazzo Cittanova and Sant’Agata’s The marriage can be celebrated in the nardo. The Brera picture gallery or the church are. Special tasting lunch in , in the elegant Red Sforzesco Castle with the ancient musi- Town Hall Palace a typical “trattoria” down town. The Hall, cal instrument collection. with the portraits of Bianca Cathedral with the magnificent fre- and Shopping time and happy hour on the Maria and Francesco Sforza scoes dating back to the 16th Century, those of another famous couple of the Navigli (waterways), very close to the referred to as “the Sistine Chapel of Middle Ages: Giovanni Baldesio and his wonderful San Lorenzo and Sant’Eu- Northern Italy” by the famous history wife Berta, or in a charming location in storgio basilicas. of arts critic Roberto Longhi. Walking All the visits with a licensed tourist gui- open air. At the end of the celebration a up to the top of the Torrazzo tower to des. Stradivari violin of the famous Col- appreciate unexpected city corners and lection / Violin Museum will be pla- the river Po bends , a guide will show you the yed for you Workshop of the violin-maker: to di- halls of the Comune, small picture gal- scover the secrets of this ancient art, lery of the 17th Century, with the ma- following the skilled hands of one of sterpiece of the most important painter the numerous craftsmen of Cremona, of that century in Cremona: Luigi Mi- the most important market place for Romeo and Juliet: the balcony radori and the Collection of Ancient violin-making worldwide. Violins of Stradivari, Amati and Guar- Final private organ concert in a church neri del Gesù. Wedding banquet with of the city centre, followed by a roman- typical local dishes and tasting of tic happy hour in the fascinating the famous Torrone (nougat): during Piazza del Comune. the lunch classical music played by a strings quartet. Romantic navigation on the Po river, Day 3: Verona a relaxing and fascinating one-hour Guided tour of Verona on the steps of trip to discover the secrets of the longest Romeo and Juliet Italian river, and appreciate a peaceful place, so close to the city, yet so peculiar. Day 4: Cremona Further services: we will help you choo- The Ponchielli theatre: the stage, the sing: Flower decorations, Candy-boxes galleries, the “ridotto” (hall for resting and confetti, Wedding-dresses, Hair- and chatting after the performances), dressing and make-up, Photoes, Wed- the royal box, the dressing rooms ... all ding-rings and jewels, Wedding-car, the secrets of the theatre. Concert of a Personal shopper, Babysitting, contemporary violin in the Baptistery, We will give you a handbook for all the a peaceful and devotional place. official procedures before the marriage, Special tasting of typical local special- a consultant will be at your disposal for ties. Driving in a carriage by the side the organization of the banquet. of the Po river. We suggest then a romantic trip in the surroundings.

Day 2: Cremona Tour by bike along a pretty country road to visit San Sigismondo’s church, close to the city but already surrounded by the fields: it is a jewel with its frescoes dating back to the 16th and 17th Cen- tury. In the altar piece, near the Virgin there are Bianca Maria and France- sco, wearing the wonderful wedding dresses, with the saints to whom the church is dedicated. Everywhere, on the walls, we admire a rich decoration with vegetable elements, putti and many musical instruments that used to be played in the 16th Century. During the Events in Cremona

Ponchielli’s Theater Seasons

Prose Season from November to March

Concert Season from December to April

Opera Season from October to December

Dance-Ballet Season from February to June

Monteverdi Festival entire month of May

Cremona Mondomusica (Fiera di Cremona) The most important event in the world for handmade arch musical instruments. Period: late September / early October

Le Corde dell’Anima (Strings of the soul) Cremona in Festival. Literature and music. Meetings, readings , shows, workshops, snacks and breakfast with the authors Period: early June

Midsummer Festival (Arena Giardino) Theatre, dance, music, cabaret in the beautiful Garden Arena. Period: from July to September

Festa del Torrone (Nougat Festival) The most awaited event by all sweet lovers . The streets and squares of Cremona will be alive with events, shows and tastings in honor of Nougat. Period: November

Il Bontà (Fiera di Cremona) This fair highlights the best enogastronomic products and their areas of origin. It ‘the most comprehensive national survey-food: you can find over 2,000 product types and more than 250 exhibitors from all over Italy. Period: November Events in Cremona Hotels Meeting RoomsHotels Meeting For more information about the various about the information or call solutions please more +39 0372 23131 visit www.cremonahotels.it For The Hotels from Cremonahotels.it have modern have well-equippedCremonahotels.it meetingfrom roomsHotels , to fit all yourcustomizedThe needs. Addresses

Dellearti design hotel Via Bonomelli, 8 Tel. +39 0372 23131

Hotel Continental Piazza Libertà, 26 Tel. +39 0372 434141

Hotel Impero Piazza della Pace, 21 Tel. +39 0372 413013

Teatro Ponchielli C.so V. Emanuele, 52 Tel. +39 0372 022002

Palazzo Cittanova Corso Garibaldi, 120

Museo del violino Piazza Marconi Tel. +39 0372 801801

PER GENTILE CONCESSIONE DI IAT Azienda di promozione turistica del Cremonese

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