Soncino, Lombardy

Soncino (locally Sunsì) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Cremona in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 60 km east of Milan and about 30 km northwest of Cremona.

Soncino borders the following municipalities: Casaletto di Sopra, Cumignano sul Naviglio, Fontanella, Genivolta, Orzinuovi, Roccafranca, Ticengo, Torre Pallavicina, Villachiara. It is located on the banks of the river Oglio.

It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy"). Soncino received the honorary title of city with a presidential decree on November 18, 2004.

Main sights

 * The well-preserved Castle (Rocca Sforzesca), built in 1473 for Galeazzo Maria Sforza. It has three square towers and a round one. It has been chosen as set for movies like Ladyhawke and Il mestiere delle armi.
 * The church of San Giacomo and the annexed former Dominican convent, with an octagonal pending tower.
 * The church of Santa Maria Assunta (12th century).
 * The Town Hall with the Civic Tower.
 * The Casa degli Stampatori ("Printers' House"), where, in 1488, the first complete Jewish Bible in the world was printed. See the entry for: Soncino family (printers)
 * The Renaissance Santa Maria delle Grazie, with a fine interior.