Car & Van Hire - Cremona

In the historic centre, holidaymakers and sightseers will find a rich offering of elegant palaces and ancient churches. Cremona's magnificent cathedral – dubbed the Sistine Chapel of the north – is top of most visitors' lists. Its bell tower, the Torrazzo of Cremona, is the tallest surviving pre-modern tower in the country; it houses one of the world's biggest astronomical clocks.

There again, the Cremona Baptistery is a beautiful octagonal building with splendid frescoes to see inside. The city is also famous for producing high-quality violins. Hence, its violin museum is a must for musicians and lovers of classical music. In addition to the city's autumn exhibition, visitors can see the history of violin-making in Cremona and the prominent Stradivari family's instrument collection all year round.

Cremona's unique cultural programme features events from February to October. In addition, apart from activities around the city, there's usually something on in the neighbouring towns for visitors to enjoy and take in the atmosphere. With car hire in Cremona, getting around is quick and convenient.

Curiosities in the Piazza is a second-hand market with around one hundred stalls. Pictures, lithographs, musical instruments, curiosities, antiques and furniture are on sale in this popular biannual event, held every February and September.

In April, the Thousand Toys is sure to delight younger family members. This fascinating show displays hundreds of toys, some dating back to the eighteenth century. Exhibits include model soldiers, trains, cars, spinning tops and yo-yos, along with a vast collection of novelties, playthings and games from the 1970s and 1980s.

July sees a goose race at the Palio dell'Oca, where birds from six neighbourhoods compete for a prestigious, hand-painted cloth prize. A giant floating raft accommodates the judges who oversee the proceedings and the accompanying costume parade. Live music and refreshments add to the atmosphere of these flagship summer celebrations in Cremona.

The city is the birthplace of esteemed violin makers and is renowned for its instrument-making techniques. In September, local musicians organise an annual international violin exhibition. Guests can attend workshops or concerts, attend masterclasses and see guitars, pianos and the finest violins.

October is when you'll enjoy the Torrone festival, commemorating the legendary Italian nougat, believed to have originated in the fifteenth century.

Finally, when your exploration has worked up an appetite, why not enjoy some genuine Italian cuisine in the local restaurants around the main square, Piazza del Comune?

Although Cremona has no ring road, the SP10 crosses the River Po before encircling the western and northern outskirts of the city. It then continues eastwards to intersect with the E70 main route between Piacenza (or Plasencia) and Brescia.

The SP234 provincial road links the city with Boidini, Brusnengo and Via Torino. One of Cremona's most eye-catching features is the beautiful city wall, a great photo opportunity for local, national and international visitors. However, most points of interest are within the city centre, so it's a good idea to park and proceed on foot when exploring.

Cremona's picturesque centre has several pedestrian areas. The most well-known is Piazza del Comunem, where you will find abundant shopping and restaurants. Other pedestrianised streets include Via Solferino, Via Ugolani Datiç, Via Dante Alighieri and Corso Garibaldi.

Turin is approximately 240km or a two-and-a-half hour drive westwards if you opt for the motorway route past Milan. Alternatively, Genoa and the Mediterranean coast are 180km and two hours driving time in a southwesterly direction.

Setting off from Cremona, the provincial capital of Piacenza is approximately 40 kilometres west on the E70. Alternatively, you could opt for a shorter round trip to the Bocca d'Adda nature and wildlife reserve. This haven of tranquillity is 23 kilometres away via the SP196 and SP234 roads – or just 18 kilometres for the other leg of the journey via the SP10 and SP27.

When driving in Cremona and throughout northern Italy, always carry your driver's license, car registration and insurance documents in the vehicle with you. Remain aware of speed limits and one-way traffic system signs.

The national limit for motorways is 130km/h, while on main roads, you need to stick to between 90km/h and 110km/h. Urban and built-up areas are between 50km/h and 70km/h. There is a 5% (5 km/h) grace allowance if you breach these limits, but fines can be extremely expensive and are based on exactly how much over the limit you are clocked at.

Finally, be prepared for narrow streets if you venture into the city centre. Some areas are restricted traffic zones, signposted ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) and requiring entry permits. Therefore, visitors with a car or van hire in Cremona should stay on the main routes to avoid possible inconvenience and fines.