Are you planning a trip during this period and are you looking for something to do in Lombardy? This is the article for you. In fact here I will suggest what to visit in Italy during winter and in particular I’ll explain what to do in Pavia with five interesting places that you cannot miss.
History
Pavia is located in Lombardy on the banks of the river Ticino. The first settlements in the area date back to pre-Roman times by the Transpadana Gaul tribes. The city became an important center during the Roman empire with the name of Ticinum. Starting from 15th century the city was repeatedly looted up to the dominion of the Lombard kingdom. In this period the name becomes Papia from which the modern name used today derives.
In short, the history, starting from the year 1000 is characterized by the strong rivalry with the nearby Milan and the subsequent dominion of the Sforza and the Visconti. These families controlled the city for many years. In many historical periods the city has been an important center of intellectual activity.
La Certosa
The Certosa of Pavia is one of the most impressive monasteries in Italy, and it is located at the gates of the city. Its construction, started in the last years of the 14th century by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and ended in 1496. Today it is possible to visit these incredible places and discover the history of the monastic complex. The monument can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 11.30am and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
The Visconti Castle and the covered bridge
Another important monument of the city is the Castello Visconteo which is located in the historic center. It was built between 1360 and 1365 by Galeazzo II Visconti. Inside its halls, the exhibition center of the Civic Museums of Pavia is now located. In addition to the permanent collections, important international temporary exhibitions are organized.
Very characteristic is the covered bridge that crosses the Ticino and connects the historic center with the rest of the city. Its origin dates back to the XIV and was rebuilt in 1949 according to the original design.
The university and the Basilica San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro
The University of Studies is also located in the historic center. This was founded in 1361 and is one of the most important academic institutions in the world. It still hosts the students inside the original lecture halls and the internal courtyards and cloisters are freely accessible.
Very interesting is also the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, which is not far away and built at the beginning of the 7th century. Here you will find the tomb of the philosopher St. Augustine.
If you want to find out what to do in Lombardy and in particular what to visit in Italy, the university and the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro are what you were looking for. In particular in Pavia.
How to reach it and where to stay
Pavia can be easily reached in three ways:
- car
- train
- plane.
By car you can get from the main Italian cities via the A4 Milan-Genoa motorway. The train station is in the city center and is on the Milan-Genoa line. The nearest airport is Milan Linate from which buses are available to reach the city.
For your stay I suggest you book at the La Vallona farm house located in Travacò Siccomario, just outside Pavia. The cost is around 65 € per person. Alternatively, I suggest the Hotel Aurora, which is located in the city center. The price of the stay is on average € 90.
As you can see there are many things to visit in Italy. What are you waiting for? Now that you know what to do in Lombardy you have no more excuses. Pack your bags now that you know what to do in Pavia!
