Pavia
Built along the banks of the tranquil River Ticino, Pavia is one of Northern Italy’s most enchanting gems. It is a city where history, art and academic brilliance harmoniously converge. Once the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, Pavia exudes a timeless charm through its cobbled streets, medieval towers and Romanesque churches. At its heart lies the ancient University of Pavia, one of the oldest in Europe. The city’s crown jewel, the Certosa di Pavia, stands as a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. With its welcoming piazzas, vibrant student life and proximity to Milan, Pavia offers an atmosphere that is both cultured and serene. From 2026 Pavia will be the starting point for our Italian Lakes tour.
Highlights
Certosa di Pavia
This stunning Charterhouse is one of Italy’s architectural Renaissance masterpieces. Built in the 14th century, it features an intricate marble façade, breath-taking frescoes and exquisite sculptures by Lombard masters. We visit the Certosa as the first stop on our Italian Lakes tour.
The University of Pavia
Founded in 1361, this is one of Europe’s oldest universities and a beacon of learning that once hosted scholars like physicist and chemist Alessandro Volta. Its historic courtyards, museums and botanical garden embody centuries of academic and cultural achievement.
Castello Visconteo
Built in the 14th century by Galeazzo II Visconti, this grand castle now houses Pavia’s Civic Museums, which include collections of medieval sculpture, Renaissance paintings and archaeological finds.
Basilica di San Michele Maggiore
A superb example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, this 11th-century church was the site of royal coronations and remains a spiritual and artistic landmark with its richly carved sandstone façade.
Il Ponte Coperto
The Covered Bridge spans the River Ticino. It was rebuilt after damage during World War II, continuing to link the city to the picturesque Borgo Ticino district. It’s both a local icon and a favourite spot for sunset strolls, offering a vivid sense of Pavia’s enduring beauty and community life.
Where to stay
A centrally-located hotel that combines convenience with solid comfort. Easy walking distance to sites and restaurants. This will be the pick-up hotel for our Italian Lakes tour.
Located in the heart of Pavia, the exclusive Arnaboldi Palace offers boutique-comfort in elegant surroundings. It is housed in a 19th-century palace and is within walking distance of many of the city’s cultural highlights.
A slightly more budget-oriented/less luxurious choice but still well located, close to the station and central area of Pavia.
Just a short taxi ride from the centre of Pavia, this hotel is nestled in an attractive green park. It is a modern resort with a spa and pools combining wellness, nature and comfort.
Where to eat
Osteria della Madonna
In the heart of the historic centre, this osteria serves traditional cuisine and regional specialities with a refined twist. Via dei Liguri 28 Tel: 0382 302833
Osteria della Malora
A cosy eatery with rustic charm, offering well-known dishes like pasta and risotto in a warm setting adorned with wooden beams. Cross the Covered Bridge and find the restaurant on the banks of the river. Via Milazzo 79, Tel: 0382 34302
Antica Trattoria Ferrari
Also located a short walk over the Covered Bridge, this family-run trattoria has a quirky interior with many plants, friendly service and local dishes. Via dei Mille 111, Tel: 0382 539025
Ristorante Lino
A fine dining experience. The restaurant serves well executed, modern Italian cuisine with very attentive service and a good wine list. In the heart of the historic centre at Piazza del Lino 15. Tel: 0382 180 3920
La Torre degli Aquila
On Strada Nuova 20/A in the historic centre, this restaurant is housed in one of Pavia’s medieval towers, serving typical Pavese dishes. Tel: 0382 26335
What to order
Pavia’s culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the fertile farmlands of the Lombardy region. The Pavian plain, fed by the Ticino and Po rivers, is one of Italy’s richest rice-growing areas and risotto is central to its cuisine. Freshwater fish from the rivers feature on local menus along with braised meats, stews and cured meats. Ossobuco alla Pavese and pork with polenta are staples. Pavia and Lombardy are home to many excellent cheeses which often enrich risottos, are used in stuffed pastas or are enjoyed simply with honey or wine. Traditional desserts include Torta Paradiso, a light, buttery sponge cake said to have originated in Pavia, and Biscotti di Riso, crunchy rice-flour cookies that pay homage to the region’s staple crop.
Lombardy is one of Italy’s most diverse and complex wine regions, both geographically and viticulturally. It produces high-quality sparkling, red, white and dessert wines across many denominations. Closest to Pavia is the Oltrepò Pavese wine region, well-known for its Pinot Nero grapes, as well as Bonarda, Barbera and Riesling Italico.
Transport
Pavia is approx. 40 km south of Milan and is easily reached from there by regional trains with a journey time of 30 – 40 minutes. Trains connect to Pavia from Milan Centrale, Lambrate, Rogoredo, Greco Pirelli, Porta Garibaldi and Nord Bovisa stations. Through suburban line S13, Pavia is directly connected to Milan via the Rogoredo station, with a train every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. There are no direct trains to Pavia from Milan’s two major airports at Linate and Malpensa, but both have rail/bus connections into the centre of Milan.
For all train information visit www.trenitalia.com which has an English version.
Train travel in Italy is inexpensive and comfortable. Major cities are served by non-stop fast trains known as the Eurostar.
If you are making plans for wider Europe then www.raileurope.com is a useful site. Another highly recommended train travel website is Seat 61.
Italo
NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori) is a new private company which started operating it’s Italo high-speed trains on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in April 2012, in competition with State-owned operator Trenitalia. NTV have added new routes subsequently and are Europe’s first private high-speed train operator, with a real emphasis on customer service. Travellers should be aware that the city stations used are not always the same as those used by Trenitalia.
GoOpti is a car transfer service which can been booked in advance and has come recommended by many Hedonistic Hikers. It connects airports and major cities in the north of Italy with eachother and fixed destinations in Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. See the website for more details. Another useful car transfer website which has been recommended by HH guests is mydaytrip which can arrange private cars to and from most European cities.