Pavia province
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Pavia is a city just 20 miles from Milan, the Lombardy’s capital. With its Romanesque churches, ancient castles, a monumental mausoleum and noteworthy squares, high quality wines and exquisite food, it is an aristocratic province. The region has an agricultural spirit and a strong tourist tradition mixed with a medieval glory and Renaissance luxury.
There are two rivers which play important role in the life of this province. They are the river Po (the longest Italian river) and the river Ticino. Actually they divide this county in three territories: Lomellina, on the right side of the Ticino, Oltrepo’ on the right side of the river Po and Pavese entirely concentrated around the capital of the province.
This ancient, interesting city is just right for a day or two trip when staying in Milan. The old city center can easily be covered on foot walking along the streets and squares, seeing the architectural sights from centuries of history from the Roman Era to the Middle Ages, from the Visconti and Sforza eras to the Renaissance, from Neoclassicism to Liberty style.
Pavia's university founded in 1361
The Certosa or Charterhouse built between. 1396-1465) is a famous monastery complex in Lombardy, Italy, situated near a small town of the same name in the Province , 5 miles north of the province capital. It was once located on the border of a large hunting park belonging to the Visconti family of Milan.
The Certosa Church
The Oltrepò Pavese (it means the area on the other side of the river Po), well known all over the world as an area privileged with excellent wines and many excellent tourist attractions. Visitors looking for a destination which offers natural beauty spots, romantic places rich in historical and cultural interest, and a wide range of high quality local wines and foods, can find plenty to satisfy their every wish during their stay in this area. I call the Oltrepò as a Tuscany of the north.
Visiting Oltrepo’ region one should visit picturesque village Zavattarello, about 70 km from Milan and 35 from Pavia.
Vigevano is a town and commune in the province which possesses many artistic treasures. It is in the middle of a district called Lomellina, a great rice-growing agricultural center. Vigevano main attraction is one of the finest piazzas in Italy, the Piazza Ducale with the Castello (castle) Sforzesco, a stronghold rebuilt 1492-94 for Ludovico Maria Sforza.
Vigevano's Piazza Ducale
The Pavia province is going to be one of my recommended romantic destinations in Northern Italy, especially for those who are visiting Milan and intend to spend a couple of days in its surrounding environments. I am preparing a special Wine and Dine tour in Oltrepo’ area for those wishing to enjoy delicious wines and local dishes in a romantic combination with the beauty of the hills and castles beyond the river Po.
Where to stay?
Hotels in the city:
Hotel Moderno
Viale Vittorio Emanuele, 41
Stay in this elegant, 4-star hotel set in an historic building in the center of Pavia, near the main railway and coach stations, and just off Piazza della Minerva.
Cascina Scova Resort
Via Vallone 18
Relax in Cascina Scova Resort’s 3-hectare park, home to swimming pools, a large fitness and wellness centre and luxurious rooms, all situated just 5 minutes’ drive from the centre.
Hotel Ristorante Italia
Corso Partigiani 48, Certosa (10 km)
The family-run Hotel Ristorante Italia welcomes you in a splendid farmhouse of the 17th century, just 800 metres from the Certosa monastery.
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