The origins of Crema, which name derives from the Longobardic word “crem”, which means “hill”, date back to the 6th century. However, nothing of the ancient city has remained since it was destroyed by the Emperor Federico Barbarossa in 1170.
But the there are still ruins of Venetian defensive walls and the architectural features of the main square buildings prove that the city was part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to the 18th century.
In the historical centre, within the walls, traces of the medieval city are still visible, such as the Cattedrale dell’Assunta, in Gothic-Longobardic style, finished in 1341.
In its interior there are important pieces of art such as a big crucifix which dates back to the 13th century and paintings of artists such as Guido Reni and Carlo Urbino.
Besides the Cathedral, other historical and cultural monuments are the bell tower, 1604, and the Santa Maria della Croce shrine, late 15th century, attributed to Luciano Battaggio, disciple of Bramante.