Pavia is a town of 71,811 inhabitants in the province of Pavia, in Lombardy, Italy. It is the capital of its province.
The municipality covers 62.86 km², with a density of 1,142 inhabitants per km².
The nearest airport is Milan Linate (LIN), about 31 km away as the crow flies. Read our guide to the airport.
Things to see in Pavia
City of a hundred towers
Pavia, on the Ticino river, was the capital of the Lombard kingdom and is home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Its brick towers and Romanesque churches tell a long history of power and learning.
What to see
The Certosa di Pavia, a few kilometres north, is one of the most spectacular monasteries in Italy, with a richly carved marble façade. In the city, the covered bridge over the Ticino, the Romanesque basilica of San Michele, where kings of Italy were crowned, and San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, with the tomb of St Augustine, are must-sees. The Visconti Castle houses the civic museums, and the historic university courtyards are open to visitors.
Food
Zuppa alla pavese, risotto with frogs or rice from the surrounding paddy fields, and the wines of the Oltrepò Pavese.
Around Pavia
The rice fields of the Lomellina, the Oltrepò hills and Milan, half an hour away by train. Milan Linate and Malpensa airports are close.
Pavia on the map
Nearby towns
Where to stay in and around Pavia
Tours and activities nearby
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