Certosa di Pavia
A Carthusian monastery built by the Milanese ducal family, whose marble facade is a masterpiece of Lombard Renaissance architecture.
The Certosa di Pavia was commissioned in 1396 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. Its church facade is carved with colored marble, covered in sacred images, reliefs and coats of arms, and is a representative example of Lombard Renaissance architecture. Inside are the tombs of the Visconti and Sforza families, a great cloister and a row of monks' cells. Visits are led by monks, mainly in Italian, with a voluntary donation. The monastery is closed on Mondays and has a long closure at midday. Take a regional train from Milan for about 30 minutes to Certosa di Pavia station, then walk about 20 minutes. You can also visit the university town of Pavia nearby.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 09:00–11:30 and 14:30–17:30 (extended in summer); closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Fondazione Prada
- Navigli
- Basilica of San Lorenzo & Colonne di San Lorenzo
- Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
- Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
- Santa Maria presso San Satiro
- Biblioteca e Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)