The Secret of Stradivari in Cremona: visit the Violinmaker School

Parma, Italy

The Secret of Stradivari Violin in Cremona visit the Violin maker School

50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Cremona has a long history of violin-making. On this tour of the Academia Cremonensis, located in the historical Palazzo Mina Bolzesi, you won’t just explore the city’s musical heritage—you’ll see craftspeople at work making violins and bows according to the centuries-old Stradivarius technique. Learn more about the ins and outs of this storied craft, and enjoy the rare opportunity to meet the makers themselves.

Secure your admission in advance and prevent any hassle
Go behind-the-scenes at a famous violin-making academy
Learn all about how violins are made, and meet the craftspeople
Step off the typical tourist trail and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience

What's Included

Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Local taxes

Souvenir item and T-Shirt (available to purchase)
Apron with the logo of Academia (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Via Giovanni Maria Platina, 66, 26100 Cremona CR, Italy
In front of the "Palazzo MINA" the hystorical building of the Academia Cremonensis

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Academia Cremonensis

50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
No health restrictions
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

19 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 19 reviews

Amazing tour 🎻

Heather_R, May 2024

This was a great experience. It was a privilege to meet the head of the school and watch the students do their work. The tour was informative and insightful. Our most memorable day on our vacation. Truly a unique and special experience.

Highly recommend this tour!

Eva_K, Apr 2024

Although our tour happened while the students were on holiday, we were lucky to have had our tour led by the founder of the school. We were with our two kids, 6 and 8 years old, who easily enjoyed the tour as much as the adults did. We toured the rooms of the beautiful school and were able to touch the raw wood used to eventually make a violin or a cello. The tour was filled with nice stories and very interesting learnings. Afterwards, we visited the Violin Museum across the street and the children quite noticeably studied the violins on display with a different eye having learned so much about them from our tour. Nonetheless, the tour was very memorable and special.

A unique way of spending the afternoon in Cremona!

Jeff_K, Jan 2024

What a unique experience! I went to Cremona with a violinist who wrote a book about a Stradivarius violin, and we took a tour of the school where a dozen students or so, from all over the world, MAKE violins! It was really incredible. I had no idea so much time and work went into crafting these beautiful instruments -- how they're ll hand-carved, so delicately fashioned. It's really a unique and fascinating tour! The owner of the school

Fascinating and educational

Anne_M, Nov 2023

Absolutely wonderful experience! We learned so much about the process of making violins and cellos and felt our time was very well spent.

A special experience

Elizabeth_W, Sep 2023

The whole experience the knowledge I learnt which makes my love of the violin stronger. The art of making a violin is amazing and the time involved to make the perfect instrument special.

Unique and wonderful experience.

KarenS, Sep 2023

Very informative. A beautiful setting. Pietro was so knowledgable about the history of the instrument, the physics of sound production and the making of the instrument. His presentation was relaxed and informal so we were able to ask plenty of questions. We had a really lovely afternoon there.

Fascinating and immensely enjoyable

Amy_K, Jun 2023

Very interesting and informative tour. Nicholas, the director of the school, who gave us the tour, was so friendly, patient, and passionate about the subject it was hard not to be captivated.

Nice!! And in English

AndresBermudez, Nov 2022

If you like the trade and you are in Cremona. A MUST see…. My son is a Professional Violin Player and was very impressed

THE highlight of my trip to Italy

Laurel_C, Sep 2022

I happened to be a train ride from Cremona, and when I found out about this tour, I was so excited. They tailored the tour to my personal interests, and the school itself is astoundingly gorgeous. It was easily my favorite part about my first trip to Italy!

Een must voor wie Cremona bezoekt

Joop_v, Jul 2023

Heel leuk kijkje in de keuken van de vioolbouw. Gids Piedro vertelde voorafgaand aan de rondleiding een interessant stuk over de geschiedenis van het instrument en wat de plek van Cremona daarin is. Niet alleen voor violisten zeer de moeite waard.