Pavia Things to Do

Once widely considered the most important area in Northern Italy due to its status as the Kingdom of the Lombards and now a university town, Pavia is a city that blends a historic past with a vibrant modern culture. From historic churches to remnants of Medieval towers to Romanesque architectural marvels, the city is peppered with monuments from its glory days. Travelers can experience unique culture, history, cuisine, and more throughout Pavia.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

With such a long history, it is no surprise that the province of Pavia is home to a variety of historical events and festivals for locals and travelers alike to enjoy.

In Varzi, just a little over an hour outside of the city of Pavia, there is a historical reenactment which honors the town’s medieval past. As part of the festival, locals dress in medieval costumes and participate in a parade through the city center.

In Vigevano, which is also an hour outside the city, the Palio delle Contrade is held. This is a horse race which has been held in the area since the Middle Ages. During the event, people wear time period appropriate costumes that are inspired by artwork from the Middle Ages. The event also features drum music, lively dances, arts and crafts of the time, and local goods and food to purchase.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

For travelers who enjoy the outdoors, just an hour outside of Pavia is the Ticino River Park, which features over 20 routes which can be enjoyed via bicycle, horseback, or on foot. There are a vast number of plant and animal species that call this area home thanks to the nourishment of the Ticino River and related canals.

As mentioned above, not far from Pavia is Varzi, a town that is the start of the famed Via del Sale, or Salt Road. One of the most important trading routes in Northwest Italy, the Salt Road features views of tremendous landscapes and ancient churches and castles. Travelers can explore the road by foot, horseback, and bike.

At Pavia’s University is the Orto Botanico, a historic botanical garden, where travelers can enjoy strolling and admiring the lovely plants and flowers.

Piazza Vittoria is Pavia’s main city square, and it has ancient origins that date back to the Romans. Once a bustling marketplace positioned amid the city’s famous fourteenth century towers, today Piazza Vitoria hosts many of Pavia’s cultural events throughout the year.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

Castello Visconteo is one of Pavia’s most amazing sightseeing locations, and luckily for those who wish to spend time indoors, the inside has as much to offer as the outside. Built in the early 1300s, the castle features a courtyard, characteristic towers, a moat, and the Civic Museums. Housed within the Civic Museums are artifacts from Roman times, statues from Lombard times, and an art gallery. There is also a walled garden in which travelers can enjoy art exhibits or wine tastings during the warmer months.

The Cathedral of Pavia (the Duomo) is the largest church in the city, and with its unfinished exterior, it makes for an excellent indoor sightseeing activity for travelers. Built in the fifteenth century, the cathedral is home to the remains of St. Sirus and a thorn that is said to have come from Christ’s crown of thorns.

One of Pavia’s most important churches is the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, a Romanesque style church that features a unique golden exterior. The interior of the church is a stunning sight to see, complete with mosaic floors and decorative accents throughout. This church is where many Lombard Kings were crowned, included Frederick Barbarossa.

Another church to see is San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro. The ceiling of the church’s interior features golden mosaics, and it is the resting place of St. Augustine. Its name, which means “Saint Peter in the Golden Sky,” refers to a golden ceiling that is no longer present.

Teatro Fraschini is a wonderful place to spend an evening enjoying live theater, opera, ballet, or music. Built by famed stage designer Antonio Galli Bibiena, the theater is stunning architecturally and features a frescoed interior.

Located at the city’s university, the Museo per la Storia dell’Università di Pavia (University Museum) is a small but fascinating museum which gives travelers insight into the history of the school. It even features the preserved head of Antonio Scarpa, a pioneer of the study of anatomy.

SHOPPING

Pavia has a historic feel so, fittingly, there are not any large, modern shopping areas within the historic city center. Locals and travelers alike can shop throughout the city’s streets and at local markets. These old-fashioned markets are held in the city’s historic area and feature local goods and handicrafts. There are also farmer’s markets throughout town where fresh produce and dairy products like locally made cheese can be purchased. For wine lovers, local wineries offer the chance to purchase locally made varieties of wine.

FAMILIES AND KIDS

The Electric Technique Museum is located near the University of Pavia. A visit to this museum allows travelers of all ages to discover many of the electric inventions that have shaped our modern world, from batteries to computers. More than 7,000 objects are on display, with interactive exhibits that explain in detail the electrical processes at work.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

The most famous site to see in Pavia is Certosa, a Carthusian monastery complex. It was founded in 1396 and features stunning decorations, amazing architectural achievement, and wonderful artwork such as statues and frescoes. The monastery is in operation, so Cistercian monks do call it home, however, tours are allowed.

Not far outside of the city of Pavia in the cities of Salice Terme, Rivanazzano, and Mirandola travelers can visit various spas and resorts to refresh and relax.

Tucked away in Northern Italy, the city of Pavia enchants travelers with its medieval towers and the Certosa monastery complex. Watch history come to life as you stroll through the centuries-old streets of Pavia’s historic city center.

Travel Guides

The Lombardy Region of Italy

The Cities of Lombardy, Italy