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Pavia Infopoint

Discover Pavia: City of Knowledge, River and Paths

Automatically translated
Where
Piazza della Vittoria, 20, Pavia
Contacts
0382 399792
Official site

Pavia is a fascinating city thanks to its harmonious blend of art, history and tradition. Its prestigious university, founded in 1361 by Emperor Charles IV, is among the oldest in Italy and has welcomed illustrious figures in literature and science, such as Ugo Foscolo and Alessandro Volta, among its cloisters.

 

In 1894 even Albert Einstein stayed here with his family, enchanted by the walks in the Oltrepò Pavese and along the Ticino River. The city boasts extraordinary churches, including the majestic Duomo, the custodian of precious relics and works of art, and San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, where St. Augustine and other prominent historical figures rest. The Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, on the other hand, played a key role in royal coronations. Icons such as the striking Covered Bridge, which connects the center to Borgo Ticino, and the Civic Museums housed in the Visconti Castle make this city a must-see.

Pavia: between the pages of time

The city, founded by the Ligurians on the banks of the Ticino River and refounded by the Romans in 89 B.C., was chosen as the capital of the kingdom by both the Ostrogothic king Theodoric and the Lombard rulers, who enriched it with numerous splendid churches.

In the 10th century Pavia went through a period of decline, culminating in 924 with the devastating sacking by the Hungarians. However, as early as the 11th century, important political changes led to the birth of the free commune. With the beginning of the new millennium, the city experienced a phase of great economic, political and cultural ferment. Among the most obvious signs of this revival was intense architectural development: numerous construction sites were started to restore ancient and prestigious religious buildings and to build new places of worship. The growing number of churches and monasteries that characterized Pavia's medieval landscape was due both to its traditional religious vocation and to its strategic location along the Via Francigena, the pilgrims' route that linked Canterbury to Rome. A strong draw for the faithful was the presence of the venerable remains of St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, kept in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro.

The need to welcome and offer rest to wayfarers led to the creation of an efficient network of hospital facilities, often linked to religious institutes. The vitality and dynamism that characterized Pavia in this era also manifested itself economically. An ancient crossroads of the trade routes of Northern Europe, the city benefited greatly from its location on the banks of the Ticino, near the confluence with the Po, a privileged route of communication with Venice and the East. During the two great seasonal fairs, those of St. Martin and the Palms, Pavia's markets were filled with exotic products such as carpets, fine fabrics, perfumes and spices, attracting merchants from Naples, Salerno and Amalfi. Strengthened by its wealth and traditional ties to imperial power, from the late 9th century Pavia began to compete with Milan for the title of cultural and political capital of Lombardy.

Pavia city of paths

Pavia is a crossroads of historical, religious and cultural paths of extraordinary importance, some of which are also recognized by the Council of Europe, a circumstance that makes the city unique and a peculiarity that contributes to its being called the "Pavia Crossroads of Europe."The following cross Pavia's territory: the Via Francigena, the Via Francisca del Lucomagno, the Via Augustina, the Trail of the Celts and Ligurians, the Via Micaelica, the Via Columbani, the Way of St. Augustine, the Via degli Abati, and the Via Sancti Martini.In addition, some of the city's monuments are part of different networks, for example, the Monastery of St. Maiolo is part of the European Federation of Cluniac Sites, the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore of the Transromanica, and the Church of San Marino of the European Network of Casadeian Sites.

Pavia City of Riverside

Pavia, located on the banks of the Ticino River, is known as a "river city" due to its strong connection with this waterway. The Ticino not only characterizes the urban landscape, but has also been fundamental to the city's economic, historical and cultural development. Its banks offer striking views and are ideal for walks, relaxation and activities such as rowing, a deeply rooted tradition in Pavia. The Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Pavia, connects the historic center to the Borgo Ticino area, is a place where nature and history blend harmoniously.

Food and wine in Pavia

Pavia, with its 85,000 hectares of rice fields, is the Italian province with the highest percentage of rice cultivation. Together with Lomellina and Pavia, it constitutes an authentic heartland of rice-growing, where man has been able to shape the landscape crossed by watercourses, creating an evocative environment characterized by wide expanses of water. Pavia is distinguished not only by rice, but also by excellent wine production. The hills of Oltrepò Pavese yield fine wines whose quality is widely recognized, helping to make the area a point of reference for lovers of good drinking.Pavia's gastronomy is a journey through authentic flavors and centuries-old traditions. From goose salami to cheeses, from fruit and vegetable production to baked goods, and even frog meat and mostarda. It is a true paradise for lovers of genuine cuisine, where one can discover fascinating flavors, some of them rare and surprising. The history and culture of the area are deeply intertwined with gastronomic traditions, making typical dishes not only a sensory experience, but also a way to understand and appreciate the identity of this land.


Opening hours

 

March - October

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November - February

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Closed on Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1


Other links

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Eventi a Pavia
Take me here: Pavia Infopoint

Places

Palazzo del Broletto

The old town hall of Pavia, which housed the institution until 1875
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Broletto Pavia
39 mt

Arnaboldi Dome

The Arnaboldi Gallery is a commercial gallery that, in the form of a covered pedestrian street, connects Strada Nuova to Piazza del Lino.
  • Art & Culture
Arnaboldi Dome
82 mt

The Diocesan Museum of Pavia

  • Art & Culture
The Diocesan Museum of Pavia
133 mt

Following history’s trails. Who is the Sun King?

  • Art & Culture
Sun King’s equestrian statue, Monuments Pavia
134 mt

Cathedral of Pavia

The most impressive church in Pavia to whose design Leonardo Da Vinci contributed
  • Religious Tourism
Cathedral of Pavia
153 mt

Church Of Saint Giovanni Domnarum

  • Art & Culture
San Giovanni Domnarum, cripta
203 mt

University Library of Pavia

  • Art & Culture
Salone Teresiano
210 mt

Aula Magna of the University of Pavia

  • Art & Culture
Aula Magna of the University of Pavia
239 mt

Chiesa di S. Maria del Carmine

  • Religious Tourism
S. M. Del Carmine – Pavia
271 mt

Pavia University Hisotry Museum

  • Art & Culture
Pavia University Hisotry Museum
313 mt

Basilica of San Michele Maggiore

  • Art & Culture
Basilica of San Michele Maggiore
330 mt

Palazzo Bottigella Gandini

Hidden among Pavia’s historic buildings is Palazzo Bottigella-Gandini, restored and now a space for contemporary art exhibitions
  • Art & Culture
Pavia
345 mt

Basilica of San Teodoro

  • Art & Culture
Basilica of San Teodoro
350 mt

Fraschini theatre

  • Art & Culture
Fraschini theatre
397 mt

From Pavia to Abbiategrasso

  • Cycle Tourism
From Pavia to Abbiategrasso
402 mt

Kosmos Natural History Museum

An antique museum with a science collection of the highest value, collated for educational purposes by Lazzaro Spallanzani in 1771.
  • Art & Culture
Kosmos Natural History Museum
428 mt

Ponte Coperto Bridge

  • Art & Culture
Ponte coperto di Pavia (Ph: I Mille)
440 mt

Camillo Golgi Museum

The museum preserves the historical and scientific heritage of the former Institute of General Pathology of Pavia
  • Art & Culture
Camillo Golgi  Museum
443 mt

Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro

  • Art & Culture
Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro
656 mt

The Plane Tree of the Pavia Botanical Garden

  • Active & Green
The Plane Tree of the Pavia Botanical Garden
664 mt

Events

Pavia Crossroads of Europe

Piazza della Vittoria, 20/D Pavia PV
06/04/2025 - 09/11/2025
  • Religious Tourism
Pavia Crossroads of Europe

The miserable Citade. Pavia besieged 1522-1527

Santa Maria Gualtieri
Piazza della Vittoria, Pavia
12/04/2025 - 28/09/2025
  • Art & Culture
The miserable Citade. Pavia besieged 1522-1527
51 mt

The Battle of Pavia, February 24, 1525: the times, the places, the men

Castello Visconteo
Viale XI Febbraio, 35, Pavia
15/02/2025 - 29/12/2025
  • Art & Culture
The Battle of Pavia, February 24, 1525: the times, the places, the men
632 mt

Pavia 1525: the city, the arts, the battle

Castello Visconteo
Viale XI Febbraio, 35, Pavia
19/09/2025 - 11/01/2026
  • Art & Culture
arazzi della battaglia di Pavia
632 mt

Celebrations of the 500th Anniversary of the Battle of Pavia 1525/2025

Castello Visconteo
Pavia
21/02/2025 - 11/01/2026
  • Art & Culture
Celebrations of the 500th Anniversary of the Battle of Pavia 1525/2025
708 mt

Where to sleep

SISSI HOUSE

PAVIA
SISSI HOUSE
16 mt

ARNABOLDI PALACE

Pavia
ARNABOLDI PALACE
82 mt

CASA ANNABEL

PAVIA
CASA ANNABEL
87 mt

VITTORIA SUITE

Pavia
VITTORIA SUITE
87 mt

GALLERIA ARNABOLDI MAISON D'HOTES

Pavia
GALLERIA ARNABOLDI MAISON D'HOTES
93 mt

CIVICO59

PAVIA
CIVICO59
93 mt

SUITE DA VINCI

PAVIA
SUITE DA VINCI
95 mt

SUITE SANTA MARIA GUALTIERI

PAVIA
SUITE SANTA MARIA GUALTIERI
95 mt

BLUE MIND

PAVIA
BLUE MIND
101 mt

LA VARESINA SUITE

PAVIA
LA VARESINA SUITE
105 mt

SUITE ORIONE

PAVIA
SUITE ORIONE
115 mt

SUITE ANDROMEDA

PAVIA
SUITE ANDROMEDA
115 mt

CALATAFIMI

PAVIA
CALATAFIMI
132 mt

CAVOUR 14 DI LIVING RENT SRL

Pavia
CAVOUR 14 DI LIVING RENT SRL
144 mt

LE STANZE DI PAVIA

PAVIA
LE STANZE DI PAVIA
151 mt

CASA CATERINA

Pavia
CASA CATERINA
152 mt

LE STANZE DEL CARDINALE

Pavia
LE STANZE DEL CARDINALE
163 mt

LE STANZE DEL CARDINALE STUDIO

Pavia
LE STANZE DEL CARDINALE STUDIO
182 mt

WANDERLUST

PAVIA
WANDERLUST
184 mt

LIVING RENT SRL - SIRO COMI

Pavia
LIVING RENT SRL - SIRO COMI
196 mt