The city of Cremona is renowned as the birthplace of the violin. In the 16th to 18th centuries, it was home to master violin makers including the Amati family, Giuseppe Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari.
Around 200 luthiers still work in Cremona, handcrafting violins, violas, cellos and basses using techniques handed down by the artisans of old.
09/22/2025 at 3:58 am
Hello Gayle,
I loved your singing nuns experience in Rome. What a special practice to sing the Ave Maria!
When you visited the violin makers, did, they tell you the wood that they use for the bows is no longer available. The forest, in Brazil think, has declared the trees endangered and no longer available for milling. Ed on ABC classic has spoken often about this crisis.
We are preparing to celebrate Ana’s birthday on Wednesday morning. I will send you photos hopefully. Don is going to make a cake. Jane is making a traditional Brazilian chocolate cake as little cakes. We have all learnt Happy birthday in Portuguese. I am thinking it will be hilarious!!!
09/22/2025 at 7:29 am
Haha! That sounds wonderful, Madeleine! Ana will absolutely love all that birthday action, especially the singing in Portuguese. What fun! I’m sorry to be missing it, but look forward to hearing all the stories. 😄 No, we didn’t hear about the bow timber crisis. How interesting! Please say hello to all the crew at DWR for me. 🥰🥰
09/22/2025 at 12:48 am
Another amazing day. Those violins, oh my gosh, wow!!!! Love to you both.
09/21/2025 at 11:28 pm
I love the gems you find everywhere and the great descriptive comments.
Hope you are doing well – it certainly looks as though you are.
Love San
09/22/2025 at 7:30 am
Thanks, San. Yes, we’re both going well and send you our love. And to Dave and San, too, if you see them again at the shops. What a lovely coincidence! 😄🥰