Crema (Italian: [ˈkrɛːma]; Cremish Lombard: Crèma) is a city and comune (municipality) in the province of Cremona, in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy.

Other authorities trace its foundation back to the 4th century CE, when Milan was capital of the Western Roman Empire.

During this period the prosperity of Crema's territory began as agriculture was boosted and the Humiliates' Order introduced the processing of wool, which was to be the area's main economic activity until the 19th century.

In 1159, after it had signed an alliance with Milan against the Ghibelline Cremona, Crema was besieged, stormed and destroyed by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

The Germans hung some Cremaschi prisoners to their siege machines hoping the defenders would not fire against their fellows.

As a Venetian inland province, Crema obtained numerous privileges and was safe from the economic decline of the nearby Duchy of Milan under Spanish rule.

The 17th century saw the beginning of the decadence of the city, caused by the decline of its industrial activities, although agriculture continued to flourish.

At first Crema formed part of the province of Crema-Lodi, but was later annexed to the department of Alto Po [it; fr] centred on Cremona.

The tortelli cremaschi (dialect of Crema: turtèi cremasch) represents the main dish of the local culinary tradition.

Also worth mentioning is the salva, a DOP cheese typical of the Crema area, traditionally consumed with tighe (green Lombard pepper), packaged in vinegar.

Poor dish typically consumed in winter, accompanied by cotechino (gelatinous pork sausage in a natural casing) or boiled meat, is pipèto (flan of cabbage, butter, garlic, parmesan, nutmeg).