Traditional violin craftsmanship in Cremona (Italian: Saperi e saper fare liutario della tradizione cremonese) was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2012, during the 7th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Paris.

Techniques developed by luthiers in Cremona for making stringed instruments hold unique importance in the world of music.

[3] A traditional Cremonese luthier used no industrial or semi-industrial parts, and the violin is carefully varnished by hand, never sprayed.

Many of the elements of the musical instrument appear to be ornamental, but serve an invisible purpose (often to either enhance projection, tone, or to protect against potential damage.

[3] A traditional violinmaker must have in-depth knowledge of the natural materials used, as well as the techniques passed down from generation to generation through words, gestures and habits shared since the 16th century, when the Cremona's violin making became popular, thanks to the skills of the house of Amati, then improved and refined by Stradivari, Guarneri, Francesco Rugeri, Vincenzo Rugeri, and Bergonzi.