about Pavia

Dating back over 2,000 years, the city of Pavia (pop. 71,000) served as the capital of Lombard and Carolingian Empires from ca. 600AD – 1100AD. Situated 35km south of Milan, it is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, chartered in 1361. Once known as the city of 100 towers, Pavia today has fine Romanesque and medieval buildings, a castle, and a vibrant historic center.

Most likely a derivation of the Latin Papia, Pavia’s name suggests a history of papal affiliation. Just 4km outside the city is the fantastic Certosa di Pavia, one of the most notable buildings from the Italian Renaissance period and one of the most extravagant religious complexes in all of Italy. Additionally, the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro (St. Peter in Golden Sky) is the final resting place of Saint Augustine, Boethius and the Lombard King Liutprand.

 

the city crest of pavia