Pavía

Pavia (Pavia), one of the cities with the most history in northern Italy, is a monumental stop on the Francigena Way. Ancient capital of the Lombard Kingdom, the city boasts an exceptional heritage. For pilgrims, crossing the Ticino River by its characteristic Covered Bridge (Covered Bridge) is the entrance to a historic center filled with treasures. Its University, one of Italy's oldest, lends it a lively atmosphere. The city is a museum of Lombard Romanesque, featuring impressive basilicas such as San Michele Maggiore, where kings were crowned, and San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, housing the tomb of St. Augustine. Although not in the same town, the nearby Certosa di Pavia (Cartuja of Pavia) is an absolute masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art and a must-visit. Pavia is a culturally rich stage that allows pilgrims to rest and immerse themselves in medieval and Renaissance history before continuing their journey across the Padanian plain.