What was first — the salad or the city, I wouldn't know how to say it. The thing is that they both bear the same name: Soncino. This small town is located in the province of Cremona (about 40 min) so if you come here to admire the city of Stradivarius, also pay a visit to Soncino.
The symbol of the city is the beautiful, imposing and well-restored Rocca Sforzesca (I don't know why but I immediately think of the castle of Malbork). As in all medieval defensive structures, there is also the drawbridge, watchtowers and basements that also served as an escape route. Inside the castle, two museums were set up: archaeological and military. The Fortress is located on the highest point and from here you can admire the view of Soncino and the red roofs, so characteristic for the Italian villages and that I like them crazy.
The historic center of Soncio is closed entirely by the city walls along which a suggestive path winds. After visiting the castle, enter the picturesque streets and squares of Soncino. Walking you will meet the town hall with the tower and the clock with small moors beating the hours, the church of San Giacomo with the cloister and a small building, the House of Printers. It is one of the oldest Italian printing shops. One thing struck me: the printing shop was Jewish while at that time the world was dominated by Christians (in fact, in 1490/92 the printing shop was closed for hostility towards the Jews). In the printing shop there are printing machines from the end of the 19th century, a wooden press, copies of printed books. And then there is a special atmosphere and the irresistible smell: the scent of books and antiquity.