Russian tourists, unfortunately, do not know anything about this charming town, founded by the ancient Romans. But this is a real treasure that colorful Italy can boast of. It is no coincidence that Pavia, immersing in a special atmosphere, leaves an unforgettable mark in the heart of everyone who meets her.
Quiet town with rich history
A picturesque corner, which has had the status of a student campus for several centuries, is the center of the province of the same name in the northern region of Italy - Lombardy. It is located on the banks of the fast river Ticino, near its mouth, 35 kilometers from Milan.
Now it is a small town with a population of no more than 70 thousand people. It is hard to imagine that a calm and quiet place was once in the center of violent political events.
Through Pavia (Italy) waterways passed, thanks to which the city received good dividends from trade. It is no coincidence that he often became a bone of contention between different states, passed from hand to hand, was destroyed by the invaders and rebuilt. MoreSpaniards, French and Austrians ruled here for 450 years, which did not have the best effect on its economic development.
Treasury of unique historical monuments
The former metropolitan center of the Lombard Kingdom keeps many unique sights that have been perfectly preserved to our time. It is simply impossible to get lost in the streets paved with small cobblestones, where the true spirit of Pavia hides. Roads paved with stone do not always lead to ancient monuments, but no one will be disappointed with a walk.
Temple of Science in Pavia
The main attraction of the Italian pearl is its university, where a thousand teachers work and more than 20 thousand students study. The temple of science, whose graduate is the famous Christopher Columbus, makes a very pleasant impression. Teaching is conducted not only in Italian, but also in English.
One of the world's oldest scientific institutions, founded in 1361, owes its origin to the Visconti family, an aristocratic family that ruled during the Middle Ages. The prestigious university in Pavia (Italy) is complemented by a cozy courtyard with tall columns, marble sculptures and picturesque loggias.
Of particular interest are student dormitories (campuses), which are more reminiscent of luxurious palaces. However, to be among those who are granted the right to live in them, you will have to pass difficult exams. Tourists are forbidden to enter here, but sometimes students participate invarious concerts. Bright posters appear on the hostels, and a cultural event guarantees complete immersion in the world of beautiful music. Admission is free for everyone.
City of a hundred towers
Once numerous towers were considered a symbol of Pavia in Italy. We althy residents erected them to demonstrate the we alth of their family, and the construction turned into a kind of competition between the local moneybags. Now there are very few majestic structures that keep the passage of time.
Not far from the university is an old square named after Leonardo da Vinci. It is on it that there are three towers built in the 11th century. Enlivening the urban landscape, they have become a real decoration of the Italian pearl.
Covered bridge - a visiting card of Pavia
Even in the Roman era, there was a bridge over the Ticino, erected under Emperor Augustus. In the 14th century, on the ruins of an ancient crossing, a new seven-arch structure appeared with galleries and towers, which housed the soldiers guarding the city. It originally had a fortification value. The chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr, was built into the middle of the structure connecting the banks of the fast river and the two parts of the city.
During the Second World War, the visiting card of the city - the bridge, was seriously damaged by the bombing of American soldiers. Three years later, local authorities decided not to restore, but to blow up the Ponte Coperto covered bridge over Ticino. And only inIn the 50s of the last century, the construction of the crossing began, which already had not seven arches, but five. The construction is almost completely recreated according to old drawings and drawings and is made so masterfully that it creates a feeling of the Middle Ages, and not a remake. It is also covered: its powerful roof rests on granite columns. The road bridge with two pedestrian zones located on both sides of the roadway delights everyone who sees it for the first time. A delightful landmark reflected in the river blends harmoniously with the scenic landscape.
Religious monument
The city's cathedral, designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself, does not strike with amazing beauty, but does not disappoint travelers going to a spiritual place. It began to be erected in the 15th century, and only four centuries later the construction was completed, although the unified style of the cathedral, which gained a reputation for historical long-term construction, was preserved.
Dedicated to Saint Stephen, it is located in the heart of the city of Pavia. Its main relics are the thorns of the crown of thorns of Jesus and the relics of St. Cyrus, who is the patron of the city.
Temple of San Michele
On the square of St. Michael the Archangel there is another landmark of Pavia in Italy - the basilica of the same name, the construction of which was interrupted at the beginning of the 12th century by a terrible earthquake. Its walls are decorated with frescoes on religious themes created at different times, and the columns are decorated with bizarre ornaments that arouse the curiosity of visitors. Stored herean ancient crucifix made of silver, as well as a fragment of the inscription that was on the cross of Jesus Christ.
It was this temple that became the prototype of the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Theodore in Pavia.
Visconti Fortress
Visconti Castle is especially popular with tourists - an insanely romantic place. A powerful building, more reminiscent of an impregnable citadel, appeared in the XIV century. Its walls were protected by a deep moat filled with water and drawbridges. Residents claim that under the building there are intricate underground labyrinths. Later, numerous living quarters were added to the Visconti castle in Pavia (Italy). The residence of the family, famous for its exquisite interior, after the death of Filippo Maria, Duke of Milan, which ended the dynasty, is gradually falling into disrepair.
Now there is an art gallery, famous for its rich collections, and a city museum where you can learn the history of Lombardy in Italy.
World famous monastery
To get acquainted with this architectural complex, located 8 kilometers from the city, many travel to a sunny country. The Certosa of Pavia, which served as the tomb of the Milanese dukes, is an ancient Catholic monastery that was built over a hundred years, and therefore traces of various styles can be found in its architecture. Founded in 1396, it is still active today.
The hermits who preach patience and compassion, like many centuries ago, livealone, almost without leaving the walls of the monastery and not communicating with the outside world. Such selfless service to Christ attracted many Italian aristocrats here, who during their lifetime donated huge sums for the construction of a gigantic complex. After their death, next to the tombs of the righteous, the tombs of the powerful of this world, who wished to be closer to God, appeared.
Popular tourist attraction
A real work of architectural art, protected by UNESCO, decorated so richly that not every palace can compete with it in beauty. Everything here is amazing: the size of the abbey in Pavia in Italy, and its decoration. At the sight of a facade decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, a luxurious marble altar, multi-colored stained-glass windows, perfectly preserved frescoes, a blue vault decorated with golden stars, the breath stops for visitors. The most famous and most talented masters of their time worked on the interior design. Of great interest are the monastic cells, reminiscent of tiny houses with a hearth and a courtyard for walking.
For many years, Certosa Abbey, in which all members of the ruling Visconti dynasty are buried, has been a popular tourist attraction. Continuous pilgrimage interferes with the seclusion of hermits. Now it is open to the public for only a few hours a day, and only at this time you can go into the territory and admire the amazing facade and interior decoration, not spoiled by inept restoration. But stay longer with tourists, toUnfortunately, it won't work.
Reviews of Pavia (Italy)
Guests who have visited a campus full of young and cheerful people remember their vacation with pleasure. They notice a striking contrast between the cheerful atmosphere prevailing here and the austere backdrop of local architecture. There are no fashionable boutiques here, as in Rome or Milan, and expensive pretentious restaurants.
On the one hand, this is a city of youth, happy students from Italy and other countries enjoy every day. They take to the streets, throw incendiary parties, celebrate graduation noisily, walking until the morning.
On the other hand, there are a lot of pensioners here who are sympathetic to the desire of young people to have fun, but they themselves live in a relaxed, calm rhythm and are not going to change anything - this is a serene and very safe corner, whose inhabitants are in no hurry.
Pavia, instantly endearing
The original town has retained its flavor and charm of the Middle Ages. Numerous old buildings and street layout make it recognizable. It is best to spend a few days getting to know him in order to better consider the most famous sights of Pavia. The city, which has lost its former economic and political importance, has turned from a capital into a cozy province, but it always makes a strong impression on guests.
If you want to be somewhere very comfortable and calm, buy tickets to Italy and go on an exciting journey. Hospitable Pavia,characterized by a very warm atmosphere, instantly attracts tourists. After visiting her, guests do not even doubt that this city has a soul.
