• Art & Culture
    • Religious Tourism

Discovering the Churches of Pavia

A Journey through Art, History, and Spirituality

Pavia is a city that never fails to surprise its visitors with the richness of its religious heritage. Despite its relatively small size, the historic center preserves an extraordinary concentration of churches, basilicas, and monasteries that tell a story spanning more than a thousand years. Here, Lombard Romanesque architecture has left behind unique masterpieces, while the Gothic and Renaissance periods enriched the city with solemn buildings and refined decorations.

Walking Itinerary through the Churches of Pavia

Visiting Pavia means immersing yourself in a city where spirituality, art, and history come together. The historic center is compact and perfectly suited for a walking itinerary among its most important churches. In about three hours, you can discover the most fascinating places of worship, strolling through medieval streets, squares, and picturesque corners.

The churches of Pavia represent a unique heritage in Lombardy. From the grandeur of the Cathedral to the intimate spirituality of San Teodoro, each building tells a different story and offers a privileged view of the city and its past.

For travelers, creating an itinerary among these churches means experiencing Pavia in depth—walking among centuries-old stones and admiring works of art that still speak to the hearts of visitors today.

Visiting Hours for the Churches of Pavia

  • Pavia Cathedral (Duomo di Pavia): usually open every day from early morning until late afternoon, with a midday closure. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the light shines beautifully through the stained-glass windows.

  • Santa Maria del Carmine: generally open in the morning and afternoon. Tourist visits may be restricted during religious services; it is advisable to check the schedule onsite.

  • San Michele Maggiore: usually open in the morning and afternoon, closed during the central hours of the day. Arriving early is recommended to avoid large groups.

  • San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro: typically open throughout the day. Morning visits are more peaceful, before groups of tourists or pilgrims arrive.

  • San Francesco d’Assisi: opening hours vary, but generally morning and afternoon, with midday closure.

  • San Teodoro: open in the morning and afternoon; on some days, access to the bell tower may not be available.

  • Santa Maria in Betlem: usually open on weekends or with reduced hours on weekdays. It is best to check in advance or ask at the tourist office for confirmation.

  • San Giovanni Domnarum: open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except during mass (weekdays at 9:30 a.m., Sundays at 10:30 a.m.). The crypt is always open to visitors without reservation.

Practical Tips

  • Many churches close between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., so it is best to plan the main visits in the morning.

  • In the afternoon, head towards the churches near the river (San Teodoro, Santa Maria in Betlem), which offer evocative views at sunset.

  • For those wishing to attend religious services, Sunday morning is the ideal time, but keep in mind that interior visits may not always be possible during liturgy.

 

Take me here: Discovering the Churches of Pavia

On the same topic

Marta and the Elephant

The event is the pre-view of Stefano Bombardieri's exhibition at Fodri Palace
  • Art & Culture
Marta and the Elephant

OPEN WINDOWS

A new project by the Association Tapirulan
  • Art & Culture
OPEN WINDOWS

Franciacorta Itinerary

The ideal destination for those who love cultural tourism
  • Art & Culture
Franciacorta Itinerary, let's traverse it

Lombardy in Paintings by Great Italian Artists

The paintings that most beautifully capture Lombardy's scenery, an immersion in the region's landscapes and cityscapes
  • Art & Culture
La Lombardia nei quadri dei grandi pittori italiani

FAI Landmarks in the Province of Varese

Cultural Treasures in a Stunning Natural Setting
  • Art & Culture
Aerial photograph of Villa Panza in Varese, showcasing the main building with its elegant neoclassical architecture and well-maintained geometric garden. The image features hedges, symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, and a large park with lush trees, surrounded by historic buildings and the urban landscape in the background.

12 masterpieces in Lombardy

Among paintings, Monasteries, Basilicas: a treasure to be discovered in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Hunting for 12 masterpieces in Lombardy

Autumn trip to villas and castles

An autumn adventure of history & beauty: explore the autumn charm of Lombardy's villas and castles.
  • Art & Culture
Autumn trip to villas and castles

Como by foot, by boat

A walk in Como between lake, neoclassical houses, a statue of Canova and a Grand Tour by boat
  • Art & Culture
Como by foot, by boat

10 good reasons visit Pavia

  • Art & Culture
10 good reasons visit Pavia

Castles Bergamo

Bergamo saw in the past the proliferation of fortifications. Many, today, castles to visit
  • Art & Culture
Castles Bergamo, discovering Lombardy

Monuments Cremona

Cremona: a splendid city of art with a sober elegance and many monuments, to be visited on foot or by bicycle
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Cremona, visiting Lombardy

Milan and its mysterious places

Witches, demons, symbols and legends make Milan a city full of mystery
  • Art & Culture
Milan and its mysterious places

A Welcome Card to visit Cremona

Your Sightseeing Pass
  • Art & Culture
A Welcome Card to visit Cremona

Milan, a fun with the children

Ancient castles, amusement parks and interactive museums. Discover what Lombardy offers for children. First stop, Milan.
  • Art & Culture
Milan, a fun with the children

Visits to the violin-making workshops

An unique and unforgettable experience
  • Art & Culture
Visits to the violin-making workshops

Cult City #inLombardia

11 Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.
  • Art & Culture
Cult City #inLombardia

16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

4 settembre - 10 ottobre 2021
  • Art & Culture
16th Olympic Games of Violin-making

Museums Monza

From the Treasure of the Cathedral to the MEMB, there are many museums where you can discover local history, art and culture
  • Art & Culture
Monza musei

The Ghost of Manigunda

In Varese the legend of the ghost of Manigunda to the monastery
  • Art & Culture
Legends of Varese: the Ghost of Manigunda at the Cairate Monastery

The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.
  • Art & Culture
The Longobard heritage of Pavia