Pavia is the ancient capital of the Lombards. The Carthusian monastery.
The construction of Pavia was started by the Romans: today’s central streets were created at that time. Pavia was the capital of the Ostrogothic kingdom (493-526) under Theodoric and until 774 – of the Lombards.
After Charlemagne’s victory over the Lombards in 774, he was crowned in Pavia as king of the Franks and Lombards. The city lost its significance in 1360 when it came under the control of the Visconti dukes, who united Pavia with Milan.
In 1525, the city once again became the site of historical events: the army of Emperor Charles V defeated the troops of French King Francis I here.
In the mid-16th century, Pavia, as part of the Duchy of Milan, passed to the Spanish Habsburgs, and in the 18th century – to the Austrians.
Despite the unsuccessful reconstruction of the city in the 20th century, which greatly changed the face of the city, and many squares and churches were simply destroyed, Pavia is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in Lombardy. 40 minutes from Milan – and you are in Pavia. The Visconti Castle, the Basilica of Saint Michael from the 11th century – one of the most beautiful churches of the Romanesque period in Lombardy, the famous covered bridge over the Ticino River.
Be sure to try the famous Pavia rice (risotto alla certosina), the ‘paradise cake’ and the wine produced on the hills south of Pavia.
The Carthusian monastery near Pavia is the mausoleum of the first Duke of Lombardy, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. The beauty of the marble facade and the austerity of the inner cloisters (monastic courtyards), the even rhythm of the life of the monks, who are still the guardians of the monastery.
The secrets of the Carthusian monks – the church, the refectory, the sacristy, and the cells. Carthusian monks completely renounce secular life, and therefore communication with them is impossible. But in the last century, the monks left the monastery (perhaps they had to do so. Why? This will be discussed during the tour).
You will be able to see the monastery from the inside, it will be shown to you by the monks of the Cistercian order.
You can also specify the attractions you would like to visit.
