Torrazzo of Cremona
Cremona, Italy
The brick bell tower of Cremona Cathedral, over 110 metres high with a large astronomical clock. About 500 steps lead to the top; the violin museum a short walk away tells the story of Stradivari.
The Torrazzo beside Cremona Cathedral is about 112 m tall. It was built in stages: the lower part was finished in 1267, and the marble spire of the octagonal top was completed by 1309. The great astronomical clock sits on the tower; Francesco and Giovan Battista Divizioli built its mechanism between 1583 and 1588, and according to the Touring Club it still works today. The Renaissance porch known as the Bertazzola links the foot of the tower with the cathedral.
The climb to the top is about 500 steps (502 according to Wikipedia); allow around an hour including the view. On the way a multimedia room explains how the clock works. The tower can be visited for an entrance fee, and opening times change: check them beforehand on the cathedral’s website (cattedraledicremona.it). Piazza del Comune is the heart of the old town, and a stroll there combines well with the tower.
According to Lonely Planet there is no lift in the tower. Since 2018 a “vertical museum” has covered astronomy and timekeeping, including a Foucault pendulum. As well as the time, the clock shows the phases of the moon, the seasons and astrological information.
- Nearest town
- Cremona, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.1333, 10.0247
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Parco al PoCampsite2 km from Torrazzo of CremonaTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Paddock MC CremonaMotorhome stopover3 km from Torrazzo of CremonaCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Area Camper “Don Camillo e Peppone”Motorhome stopover17 km from Torrazzo of Cremona · 16 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Parcheggio Roncole VerdiMotorhome stopover20 km from Torrazzo of CremonaCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToiletsFree
- Motoclub TorreMotorhome stopover23 km from Torrazzo of CremonaTentsMotorhomesElectricity
- Area Camper Chiaravalle della ColombaMotorhome stopover23 km from Torrazzo of Cremona · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterFree
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Torrazzo of Cremona?
Torrazzo of Cremona is in Cremona, Italy, at GPS 45.1333, 10.0247. It is about 28 km from Piacenza.
Can you camp near Torrazzo of Cremona?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Parco al Po, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Torrazzo of Cremona?
Torrazzo of Cremona is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mantua, Sabbioneta and Cremona: Renaissance towns of the Po plain.
What is there to see near Torrazzo of Cremona?
Places worth a stop nearby: Franciacorta vineyards (52 km), Borghetto sul Mincio (60 km), Palazzo Te (60 km) and Ducal Palace of Mantua (61 km).
When is the best time to visit Torrazzo of Cremona?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)