Cremona

kre-mo'na, a city on the northern bank of the Po, famous in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries for the making of violins. In fact the violin acquired its present shape and its highest quality of excellence at Cremona. Among the noted makers were Stradivarius and Amati, the latter being the name of a family rather than an individual. A genuine old "Cremona" is exceedingly valuable on account of its rarity, and commands a high price. The modern city has a population of 30,000 people and is the seat of considerable local trade. It boasts one of the finest towers in Italy, nearly 400 feet in height, commanding an extensive view of the fertile plains of the Po. There are manufactures of silk, earthenware, and of mustard. See Violin