Being a home to one of the best Universities in Italy, Pavia is not on the list of the most popular cities in Italy. Rather it serves as a day trip destination for those living or visiting nearby Milan. If you are one of them or just looking for a place where to obtain University degree, then you can be also interested in the sights the city offers.

1. Certosa di Pavia

A notable Italian building, Certosa di Pavia is much in the Renaissance style. It was originally the architectural companion of the Duomo from Milan as the architects worked on both their design.

It is a hybrid of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The interior is airy and dominated by the Gothic influence, while the exterior is totally Renaissance like.

Certosa di Pavia, Lombardy by Yuri Virovets

2. University of Pavia

Established by Charles V, this university dates from 825 as a school of divinity. The colleges are from the 16th century and the most famous ones are Collegio Ghislieri and Collegio Borromeo.

Currently, there are other three colleges that are also linked to the university system. The grounds of the university are wonderful with botanical gardens and open country yards.

Collegio Ghislieri, Pavia by Giorgio Gonnella

3. Musei Civici di Pavia

Castello Visconteo looms over the town of Pavia. It was built for Galeazzo II Visconti in 1360 and it now harbors the Musei Civici di Pavia. It has wonderful collections of art, ethnography and archaeology.

It puts on display parts of the medieval Pavia and also Risorgimento and Renaissance. It is a museum full of personality and charm.

Castello Visconteo, Pavia by Giorgio Gonnella

The forbidding ramparts hide also wonderful garden. During springtime and summertime, here are organized wine tastings and art exhibits. This castle is an amazing place to visit in Pavia.

5. Pavia Cathedral

The city center is crowned by the cathedral of Pavia. The dome made out of red brick is the third largest in the whole Italy. Renowned names like Bramante and Da Vinci have made a solid contribution to the whole cathedral. The cathedral was started in 1488, but only finished in the 19th Century.

The building is really huge and it is an emblem of this city and it is considered to be the third in size in Italy. Unfortunately the bell from the tower collapse in 1989 and it killed four people on its way. This is an unfortunate event that marks the history of this place.

Pavia Cathedral by Goldmund100

6. Basilica di San Michele Maggiore

People might think that the most important religious place in Pavio is the Duomo. However, this Basilica is far more interesting.

Basilica di San Michele Maggiore is a beautiful Romanesque church in which the kings of Lombardy received their crowns. It was here in 1155, where Barbarossa was named the Holy Emperor so the church is full of historic relevance.

Basilica di San Michele Maggiore, Pavia by Slawojar

7. Museo per la Storia

This museum is a part of the University of Pavia. In the building of this university, there is the Museo per la Storia, where one can see an exibition of all the history of the place. It is an extremely lovely place that is full of interesting things from the academic history of Pavia.

Museo per la storia by Laura

8. Watchtowers

In the medieval times, there were about 100 watchtowers in the town. Today, there are only three of them. They are all situated in the Piazza di Leonardo da Vinci. They are the remains of a time distant in the past in which this town had a totally different structure.

Pavia watchtowers by Welleschik

9. Orto Botanico

For all the people who love gardens and plants, the botanical garden is a place to spend your time. It is certain that this whole thing was arranged beautifully so that it can harbor lots of visitors. There is a high number of plants and flowers and the springtime is extremely beautiful for a successful visit.

Orto Botanico by Eleonora Quattrini

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