Founded by the Romans, near the river Po, in 218 BC in anticipation of Hannibal's invasion, the city of Cremona has always been one of the most important centres of the Po Valley.

A strong point is undoubtedly the agri-food production, the result of a deep connection with the fertile land. Testifying to this historical reality, north of the city, is the Cascina 'Il Cambonino Vecchio' which has been enhanced with its traditional settings and transformed into the interesting Museum of Rural Civilisation. Surrounding the structures is a pleasant urban green area, where several specimens of black poplar (Populus nigra) appear imposingly.

It is significant to find monumental trees of this very species around a museum themed on the agricultural world: the poplar is the most representative tree of the rural landscapes of the Lower Po Valley. Here, some exceed 30 metres in height and have really mighty trunks; the largest has a trunk with a circumference of 5.5 metres (diameter 175 cm). In a city famous for its monuments, violin-making and nougat, it is also worth rediscovering the peasant soul. You only have to venture a little way from the city centre.

A green monument that is accessible to the public.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)