Pavia is located in Lombardy and easily accessible by train from Milan (just over half an hour). A charming little town with a rich Gallo-Roman and medieval history – a former Ostrogothic and Lombard capital – and a renowned university city (since the 14th century), Pavia captivates with its historic center, its grand medieval towers, its covered bridge over the Ticino River, and its Castello Visconteo castle.
I recommend visiting this city for half a day or even a full day, as a complement to a stay in Milan. Bring good walking shoes! The best times to visit Pavia are spring and fall; it can get very hot in summer, and freezing in winter…
My Visit Program
Arrival in the Morning
Arrival in the morning as early as possible by train from Milan (Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi). I bought tickets via the Trenitalia app, “Regionale Trenord,” €4.40 in 2025.
Historic Center and Duomo
Walk through the Centro Storico then visit the Cathedral of Pavia, with its imposing dome and Renaissance-style architecture.
Medieval Towers (Piazza Leonardo da Vinci)
Not to be missed under any circumstances, the Medieval Towers are magnificent, in the style of Bologna and San Gimignano. The visible towers are the Torre del Maino, the Torre degli Aquila, the Vicolo del Torrione, and the Catassi.
University of Pavia
There’s a bench in the colors of Europe (Erasmus Program). Take a quick tour of the historic buildings, its interior courtyard, and especially visit the Library “Biblioteca universitaria di Pavia.” It dates back to 1754. It is magnificent and contains an ancient historical globe that mentions, for example, Abyssinia (the ancient name of Ethiopia).
Basilica of San Michele Maggiore
This Romanesque church dates from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Lunch
I recommend the Al Vita Restaurant (see below).
Covered Bridge (Ponte Coperto)
Cross the bridge for a magnificent view of the colorful houses along the Ticino River. On the left, you’ll see the Statue of Lavender, a recent monument that pays tribute to the women who had to wash clothes in the Ticino River under difficult conditions.
Piazza della Vittoria
A lively pedestrian square surrounded by arcades, it’s the perfect spot for an Italian aperitivo.
Castello Visconteo
Take a tour of the Palace of the Dukes of Milan. The walls and turrets are magnificent, and inside you’ll find the Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Return by train to Milan at the end of the day.
Where to eat?
I only tried one restaurant, “Al Vita,” and I loved it. As a great lover of fish and seafood, I had the “Polpo alla piastra,” grilled octopus served on mashed potatoes with parsley and green sauce.
al VITA Restaurant & Cafè
Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 10, 27100 Pavia (PV). Italy
https://www.alvitaristorante.it
If you have more time there
The Charterhouse of Pavia
I wasn’t able to visit this place (lack of time), but it was recommended to me.
It’s a former monastery (14th century) of hermit monks located in Certosa di Pavia (8km north of Pavia).
Pavia’s Culinary Specialties
- Zuppa alla Pavese
- Ris ed erborìn: Minestrone
Where to stay?
I don’t have a specific address to recommend. I often stay in Sesto San Giovanni (near Milan), at the Hotel Gran Barone di Sassj and Abacus, because I’m looking for the best possible value for money, location, and location, and I’m especially here for AC Milan matches.
Otherwise, simply do a Booking.com search for Pavia.
Historical Events
- 2025: The 500th Anniversary of the “Battle of Pavia” (1525-2025):
Numerous events planned in 2025 to celebrate the Italian Wars between Francis I and Charles V. Official website: https://www.battagliadipavia1525.it
* I took this trip in March 2025 completely independently, in a personal capacity. I receive a percentage of compensation if you click on a referral link and make a booking, but this does not affect the price paid or the services provided. Furthermore, this article was written completely independently, with no commercial collaboration.