Pavia itinerary
Pavia Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Pavia is a charming city located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, just south of Milan. It is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and prestigious university. If you're planning to visit Pavia, here's an itinerary to help you explore the city:
Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration
- Arrive in Pavia and settle into your accommodation.
- Start your exploration in the city center by visiting the Pavia Cathedral (Duomo di Pavia), a magnificent Romanesque-style cathedral with stunning frescoes and mosaics.
- Take a stroll along the picturesque Ponte Coperto, a covered bridge that spans the Ticino River and offers beautiful views of the city.
- Explore the historic center, wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the medieval architecture. Don't miss the Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo), a well-preserved fortress that houses the Civic Museums and offers panoramic views from its tower.
Day 2: University and Museums
- Visit the University of Pavia, one of the oldest universities in the world. Explore its historic courtyards, libraries, and the Aula Magna, a stunning lecture hall adorned with frescoes.
- Explore the Certosa di Pavia, a magnificent Carthusian monastery located just outside the city. Admire the intricate architecture, beautiful cloisters, and the impressive interior.
- Visit the Museum of Ancient Art in the Visconti Castle, which houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including works by famous Italian artists.
Day 3: San Michele Maggiore and Basilica di San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro
- Visit the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, an impressive church with a distinctive black and white striped facade. Explore its stunning interior, including the crypt and the Holy Sepulcher Chapel.
- Explore the Basilica di San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, which houses the tomb of St. Augustine. Admire the beautiful mosaics and learn about the history of the basilica.
- Take a leisurely walk in the peaceful Ticino Park, located on the outskirts of Pavia. Enjoy the nature trails, bike paths, and picnic areas.
Day 4: Food and Wine
- Indulge in the local cuisine of Pavia. Try regional specialties such as risotto alla certosina (risotto with saffron and braised beef), tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta), or piculaà (a traditional Pavia dessert).
- Visit a local winery in the Oltrepò Pavese wine region, known for its production of sparkling wines, particularly Metodo Classico wines made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about the winemaking process.
Day 5: Vigevano Day Trip
- Take a day trip to Vigevano, a nearby town known for its Renaissance architecture and the beautiful Piazza Ducale, one of the most elegant squares in Italy. Explore the Castello Sforzesco, visit the shoe museum (Museo Internazionale della Calzatura), and enjoy a leisurely walk in the historic center.
- Sample local delicacies in Vigevano, such as panettone and torrone (nougat), paired with a glass of local wine.
Day 6: Cultural Sites and Gardens
- Visit the Church of San Teodoro, a small but charming Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes. Admire the peaceful atmosphere and the views from the churchyard.
- Explore the Botanical Garden of Pavia, located near the university. Enjoy a leisurely stroll among the various plant species and relax in the serene surroundings.
- Visit the Museum of Electrical Technologies (Museo delle Tecnologie Elettriche), which showcases the history of electricity and its impact on society.
Day 7: Farewell to Pavia
- Spend your last day in Pavia exploring the local markets, such as the Mercato Coperto, where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties.
- Visit the Malaspina Castle in the nearby town of Belgioioso, known for its beautiful gardens and hosting cultural events.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional trattoria, savoring the flavors of Lombardy cuisine and raising a glass of local wine to toast your time in Pavia.
This itinerary provides a starting point for exploring Pavia, but feel free to adjust and customize it based on your interests and the specific attractions and activities you wish to experience. Pavia offers a delightful combination of history, art, gastronomy, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination to visit.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Pavia: where to stay?
Pavia is a charming city located in the Lombardy region of Italy, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and prestigious university. When choosing a place to stay in Pavia, you have several options depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some popular choices:
1. **Historic Center (Centro Storico)**:
Staying in the historic center of Pavia is a great option if you want to be close to the city's main attractions, such as the Pavia Cathedral, Ponte Coperto, and the University of Pavia. You'll find a variety of hotels, B&Bs, and boutique accommodations in this area.
2. **University Area**:
If you're visiting Pavia for academic purposes or simply want to experience the lively atmosphere around the University of Pavia, you might consider staying near the university. There are several hotels and guesthouses in this area catering to students and visitors.
3. **Countryside Retreats**:
If you prefer a more peaceful and rustic setting, you can look for agriturismi (farm stays) or country villas in the surrounding countryside. These provide a tranquil escape from the city and offer a taste of rural Italian life.
4. **Modern Hotels**:
Pavia has a range of modern hotels, both in the city center and on the outskirts. These hotels typically offer more contemporary amenities and services.
5. **Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)**:
There are numerous B&Bs in and around Pavia, offering a cozy and personal experience. Many B&Bs are situated in historical buildings, providing a unique ambiance.
6. **Short-Term Rentals**:
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer a wide selection of apartments and homes for rent in Pavia. This can be an excellent option if you prefer more space and the flexibility to cook your own meals.
7. **Budget Accommodations**:
If you're on a tight budget, you can find hostels and budget hotels in Pavia that provide affordable options for lodging.
When choosing where to stay, consider factors such as location, your budget, and the type of experience you want. It's a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the tourist season, to ensure availability. Additionally, read reviews and check for any special offers or deals that may be available at the time of your visit.
Booking.com7 Days in Italy: Last Updated Itinerary Ideas.
7-day itinerary for visiting Pavia and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:
Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary for visiting Pavia and its surroundings, including some local food and wine specialties to try:
Day 1: Arrival in Pavia
- Arrive in Pavia and settle into your accommodation.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Pavia, exploring the charming streets and admiring the medieval architecture.
- Enjoy a traditional Pavia dinner at a local trattoria, trying dishes like risotto alla certosina (saffron risotto with braised beef) or tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta). Pair your meal with a glass of local Oltrepò Pavese wine.
Day 2: Pavia City Exploration
- Visit the Pavia Cathedral (Duomo di Pavia) and admire its impressive architecture and stunning interior.
- Explore the Visconti Castle (Castello Visconteo) and its Civic Museums, learning about the history of the region.
- Have lunch at a local osteria, enjoying classic Lombardy dishes such as cotoletta alla milanese (breaded and fried veal cutlet) or brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine).
- In the evening, visit a local enoteca (wine bar) and sample a variety of Oltrepò Pavese wines, including the sparkling Metodo Classico wines.
Day 3: Certosa di Pavia and Wine Tasting
- Take a short trip outside of Pavia to visit the Certosa di Pavia, a magnificent Carthusian monastery. Explore the beautiful architecture and the peaceful cloisters.
- Visit a winery in the Oltrepò Pavese wine region and enjoy a wine tasting session. Try the region's renowned sparkling wines, as well as the red wines made from Barbera, Croatina, and Pinot Nero grapes.
- Have dinner at a traditional agriturismo (farmhouse restaurant) in the countryside, savoring farm-to-table dishes made with local ingredients.
Day 4: Vigevano and Castle Exploration
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Vigevano. Explore the elegant Piazza Ducale, known for its Renaissance architecture and the stunning Ducale Castle.
- Visit the Museo Internazionale della Calzatura (International Shoe Museum), which showcases the history of footwear and its significance in the region.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, trying traditional dishes like risotto with saffron and ossobuco (braised veal shanks).
- In the evening, relax with a glass of local Oltrepò Pavese wine and enjoy the atmosphere of Piazza Ducale.
Day 5: Outdoor Activities and Nature
- Explore the Ticino Park, located near Pavia. Take a nature walk or rent a bike to explore the park's trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Have a picnic in the park, enjoying local delicacies like salami, cheese, and freshly baked bread.
- In the evening, visit a local gelateria and indulge in a variety of gelato flavors, including the classic pistachio and stracciatella.
Day 6: Cultural Sites and Gardens
- Visit the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, known for its distinctive black and white striped facade. Explore the stunning interior and the crypt.
- Take a walk through the Botanical Garden of Pavia, located near the university. Admire the diverse plant species and relax in the serene surroundings.
- Have lunch at a traditional trattoria, trying dishes like risotto with asparagus or roasted quail.
- In the evening, attend a classical music concert or a theatrical performance at one of Pavia's cultural venues.
Day 7: Farewell to Pavia
- Spend your last day in Pavia exploring the local markets, such as the Mercato Coperto, where you can find fresh produce, regional cheeses, and local specialties.
- Visit the Malaspina Castle in the nearby town of Belgioioso, known for its beautiful gardens. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
- Have a farewell dinner at a traditional Pavia restaurant, trying local desserts like torta paradiso (a light sponge cake) or amaretti (almond cookies). Accompany your meal with a glass of Moscato Passito, a sweet wine produced in the region.
Remember, this itinerary is a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your preferences and the specific attractions, restaurants, and wineries you wish to visit. Pavia and its surroundings offer a delightful combination of history, gastronomy, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable visit.