10 good reasons visit Pavia

We would like to give you 10 good reasons to visit Pavia. Whether it is for its large monuments or unspoiled nature, there is something for everybody! Browse the following gallery and check every reason to come here.

This territory boasts over 80 thousand acres of rice paddies. It is also perfect for a slow walk or bike ride between its meadows along numerous paths that traverse its beautiful landscape. The Via Francigena is but one example of these.

Religious tourism finds its place in this wonderful land, the XVth century Cathedral harboring the holy relics of the Spiked Crown of Christ, or the Certosa with its precious facade.

The Old Bridge or Ponte Coperto is a symbol of this city. It stands above the Ticino river and displays a commemorative plaque in honor of the 50th anniversary of Albert Einstein's demise, since he lived in this province for a while.

Its university is the oldest one in Europe, plus there are several museums that will delight culture enthusiasts. See the ones of Natural History, Electricity and Mineralogy or the Botanical Gardens. Vigevano proposes a particular footwear exhibition encompassing various eras and cultures.

Don't forget to book a seat at the Fraschini Theater and go by the Wine and Flavor trails of the Oltrepò.

Albert Einstein lived here — Did you know that Albert Einstein stayed in Pavia for a while? His parents moved to the city in 1895 in Palazzo Cornazzani and the renowned scientist came to visit them. He spent entire days walking by the Oltrepò and riding on bicycle along the Ticino.

It is a city of knowledge — Not everybody knows that Pavia boasts one of the oldest Universities ine Europe. Visit its museums if you want to know its history: the Scarpa Hall dedicated to the famous medical anatomist, the Porta Hall containing samples, test products and surgical models from the nineteenth century, the Golgi Hall, dedicatad to the Nobel prize winner Camillo Golgi, and the Volta Hall, reservated to the inventor of the battery. Then there is the XIXth century cabinet, the Natural History Museum, the Electrical Technology and Minerology Museums and the Botanic Garden.

Its churches are unparalleled — There is the XVth century Cathedral that guards the Holy Thorns of Christ relic, the remains of San Siro, patron saint of Pavia, and the paintings of Carlo Sacchi. There is also the church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, known for guarding the spoils of Severino Boezio, King Liutprand and Saint Augustine, the Church's doctor: his ark is one of the most notorious monuments of the XIVth centrury Gothic. Don't miss the church of San Michele Maggiore from 1118, and that of Santa Maria in Betlem, in the Ticino district, also known as the house of Santa Maria della Stella. It is located on the via Francigena, and destination for Pilgrims who headed to Bethelem and Santiago of Compostela.

Its shoes are Museum pieces — Just head to Vigevano to discover the international footwear Museum, which displays both ancient models and pieces that have recently made fashion history. From Beatrice d'Este's Pianella to the creations of Manolo Blahnik. It is perfect for those who wish to know more about the evolution of Vigevano's craftmanship.

It is famous for its sparkling wines — Go to the Oltrepò Pavese and discover its most famous wine cellars. Pavia has an ancient wine-making tradition and it specializes in several varieties: from sparkling red and rosés to scented Barberas and Rieslings, Moscato, Malvasia, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. It produces 36 DOC types in total

It has some of the country's most beautiful villages — The Oltrepò not only has great wines to offer, but also some of the most alluring villages in Italy: Fortunago, Zavattarello and Porana. All three guarantee inspiring atmospheres, historic monuments and scrumptious local dishes. Varzi is also worth a visit, since it produces an outstanding DOP salami.

It is possible to wander under a roof — Pavia's covered bridge, which surmounts the Ticino river, is one of the city's landmarks. The one we see today is a reconstruction of the ancient fourteenth century bridge, severely damaged during the Allied bombardments in World War II. It is open to city traffic and pedestrians. There is a commemorative plate dedicated to Albert Einstein that quotes a phrase written by the physcicist in a letter: "Die schöne Brücke in Pavia habe ich oft gedacht" (I have often thought about that beautiful bridge in Pavia).

Its theater is a real treasure — Pavia boasts an awe-inspiring theater thanks to the efforts of four local noblemen, count Francesco Gambarana, marquis Luigi Bellingeri Provera, marquis Pio Bellisomi and count Giuseppe Giorgi di Vistarino. Construction work began in 1771 and finished in 1773, exhibiting an authentic masterpiece: the Fraschini Theater, designed by Antonio Galli Bibiena. It is shaped as horse shoe, embellished by a series of shelves and an entirely painted wooden ceiling. Artists such as Renzo Ricci, Cesco Baseggio, Vittorio Gassman and Dario Fo have stepped into its scenery.

It is the rice capital — About 80 thousand acres entirely dedicated to rice paddies make of Pavia into the Italian rice capital. The plains extend between the Lomellina and Pavia are like an enormous mirror that reflects the landscape: fascinating, studded with farmhouses, full of history and tradition

It is possible to travel on foot or bike among country trails — We would like to mention the tourist bike trails and the Via Franchigena. The Via del Sale goes from Varzi to Genoa, plus thhe Via del Mare. Pavia offers plenty of possibilities if you wish to travel slowly among open spaces. By following its itineraries, not only will you be able to reach cities that are full of history, but also be immersed in untouched narure. The Ticino Park, the Monte Alpe reserve, the Pietra Corva's alpine garden, Monte Penice and the oasis of Sant' Alessio will delight both children and adults.

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