Academia Cremonensis Tickets and Tours

The Secret of Stradivari in Cremona: visit the Violinmaker School

A fascinating insight into the mysteries of violin making.

We found the Academy easily and we're greeted precisely on time by Nicholas ,the director and the lovely little workshop dog. Nicholas took great trouble to find out our knowledge levels and what we wanted to know. I am an amateur Luther with some years experience, my wife has limited knowledge of violin making but Nicholas made the visit interesting for us both. As it happens we were the only ones visiting at the time so it was a personal tour. He explained about wood selection in some detail and then gave a very clear and concise description of the processes involved in making a violin. We observed luthiers undertaking a variety of procedures including varnishing and also saw bow makers at work. Nicholas speaks excellent English and was incredibly helpful. Overall a 5 star trip and one we will both remember. Strongly recommended!! I now want to enroll on a course at the academy but sadly this isn't feasible!☹️