Pavia

Access

Pavia, located in the heart of Lombardy, is easily accessible thanks to its strategic location and well-organised network of connections. For those arriving from other regions or from abroad, the nearest airports are Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio, which offer national and international connections. From these airports, it is possible to reach Pavia in a short time by regional trains, shuttle buses or by renting a car.
Rail transport is one of the most convenient ways to reach the city. Pavia is served by the Milan-Genoa line and is an important stop for regional and intercity trains. Pavia's railway station is a short walk from the historic centre, making access to the city's main points of interest easy. Those arriving from Milan can count on frequent connections, with journey times of around thirty minutes.
The road network makes Pavia easy to reach by car. The city is connected to the motorway network thanks to the Milan-Genoa motorway, with dedicated exits providing quick access to the centre. A further option is the Strada Statale dei Giovi, which directly connects Pavia to Milan and neighbouring municipalities, offering a scenic alternative for those who prefer to avoid motorways. The provincial network is well developed, with roads that cross the countryside and small towns, making it possible to explore the surroundings of the city and the characteristic landscapes of the Oltrepò Pavese.
For visitors interested in a more immersive experience of nature, Pavia can also be reached via bicycle and pedestrian routes. One of the most evocative is the route along the Naviglio Pavese, which connects Milan to the city in a quiet and scenic route, ideal for walkers and cyclists. This route allows you to appreciate the river landscape and the relaxed atmosphere of the Lombardy countryside.
Ultimately, Pavia is a well-connected city, suitable both for those seeking practicality in transport and for those who want a slower, more immersive access. The variety of options for reaching it makes it easily accessible from all directions, inviting visitors to discover its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Introduction

Pavia, capital of the Lombard province of the same name, is located in the heart of the Po Valley, a short distance from Milan. With a history spanning more than two thousand years, this city has been a cultural, religious and political crossroads since antiquity. Its historical centre, rich in monuments and vestiges of the past, winds along the Ticino river, offering a unique atmosphere combining art, architecture and local traditions. Pavia is an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in a fascinating historical context and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Description

The territory of Pavia lies on a fertile plain, crossed by the Ticino river and dotted with cultivated fields and small historic villages. The landscape is characterised by a mosaic of natural and rural elements, with the river representing an identifying symbol of the city. The proximity to the Oltrepò Pavese hills adds further variety to the geographical context, offering glimpses of vineyards and gentle hills that contrast with the plain. This territory, shaped by man and nature, is an integral part of Pavia's identity.
Pavia's history is rich and layered, beginning with the ancient Roman city of *Ticinum*, founded in the 1st century BC. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Pavia became the capital of the Longobard Kingdom and one of the most important centres of the Italian Middle Ages. It was here that the Longobard king Liutprand had the remains of St Augustine moved in the 8th century, now preserved in the basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro. During the Renaissance, Pavia experienced a period of great splendour under the Visconti and Sforza families, who enriched the city with architectural masterpieces such as the Visconti Castle and the church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Later, the contribution of figures such as Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci left an indelible imprint on the Duomo, whose imposing dome is among the largest in Italy.
Pavia's economy is traditionally linked to agriculture, with the production of rice, wine and other typical products playing a central role. Oltrepò Pavese, in particular, is one of the most renowned wine-growing areas in Italy. In addition to agriculture, crafts and tourism have become increasingly important, thanks to the city's rich historical and artistic heritage. Pavia is also an academic centre of international importance, thanks to its historic University, founded in 1361, which continues to be a cultural and scientific reference point.
Pavia's culture is deeply rooted in its religious and popular traditions. Among the most characteristic events are celebrations linked to patron saints and local festivals, such as the historic Regatta on the Ticino River. Local craftsmanship preserves ancient traditions, particularly in wood and iron work, while Pavia's gastronomy, with dishes such as risotto, cured meats and typical desserts, is an essential element of the local culture.
Pavia offers numerous opportunities for tourism and hiking. A walk in the historic centre allows you to visit the Visconti Castle, the Civic Museums, the Cathedral and the Ponte Coperto, which connects the centre to the characteristic Borgo Ticino. The city surroundings are rich in nature trails along the river and in the Oltrepò hills, ideal for excursions and walks. Among the places of interest, the Certosa di Pavia is a must-see for visitors to the area, with its extraordinary monumental complex. The city also offers panoramic viewpoints and places of great beauty, such as the banks of the Ticino at sunset, inspiring tranquillity and contemplation.
Pavia is a place where history, art and nature intertwine in a perfect balance, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive cultural experience. The city welcomes its visitors with a discreet and enduring charm, inviting them to discover its treasures and experience its serene pace.

Information

Area: 63.24 sq km
Altitude: 77m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants: 72576
Name in dialect: Pəvia
Inhabitant name: Pavesi
 Patron Saint: St. Syrus, St. Augustine, St. Theodore
 Internet site: www.comune.pavia.it
Webcam:
Bordering municipalities: Borgarello, Carbonara al Ticino, Certosa di Pavia, Cura Carpignano, Marcignago, San Genesio ed Uniti, San Martino Siccomario, Sant'Alessio con Vialone, Torre d'Isola, Travacò Siccomario, Valle Salimbene
 Villages and hamlets: Albertario, Cà della Terra, Cà de' Tedioli, Cantugno, Cassinino, Cittadella, Fossarmato, Mirabello, Molinazzo, Montebellino, Pantaleona, Villalunga