Cremona’s violin tradition is not just old. It’s UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, with violin making rooted there since the 16th century. Renowned families like Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri del Gesù crafted instruments that defined what a violin should be, setting benchmarks for tone, response, and performance that makers still admire and learn from today.

In Cremona, the craft isn’t just a job. It’s a centuries-long conversation passed down through generations of artisans and apprentices. Modern makers learn the same techniques that helped define the violin itself — but they also add their own voice and personality.

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One of Cremona’s most respected makers is Alessandro Di Matteo. With more than two decades of experience crafting violins, violas, and cellos, he blends deep acoustic knowledge with artistic finesse in every instrument he creates. Alessandro is also a former teacher at the Antonio Stradivari International School of Violin Making in Cremona, passing his expertise on to the next generation of luthiers.