Aula Magna of the University of Pavia

The Aula Magna, designed by architect Giuseppe Marchesi, is the venue for the main ceremonies of the university.

The project for the large hall, reviewed by the Commission of Ornament in 1837, officially began in 1845. The work was completed in 1850, as noted in the dedicatory inscription on the facade.

The building combines two fundamental forms from the classical world: the temple (with a pronaos featuring Corinthian columns and a pediment completed by sculptures) to symbolize the sacredness of the space, and the basilica to indicate its civic and public use.

In the apse, a portrait of Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback dominates.

Maximum capacity: 250 people; seating: 190 in the main hall + 50 in the semicircle.