Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro

Near to Castle Visconteo, we find the second stop on our tour of the Longobard city of Pavia. The Basilica di San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, built in the Longobard era, is one of the oldest churches in Pavia.

It was originally constructed in the Longobard style and then rebuilt in the Romanesque style. It stands on the site of an ancient temple and took its name from the golden vaults once present inside.

It was founded by the Longobard king Liutprando to house the relics of Saint August, which are still preserved in a casket under the Ark, a marble masterpiece in which scenes from the Saint's life are sculpted. 

But the history and uniqueness of this basilica became even more relevant after Dante: in his "Paradiso" (the third part of the Divine Comedy), he mentions the philosopher Severino Boezio, who died at the hands of king Teodorico and upon whose tomb this basilica was built. 

A history full of even more fascinating stories, which can be discovered as you walk through its walls.