Certosa di Pavia: where it is and how to get there

An architectural, artistic and urban jewel: this is the Certosa di Pavia, a building of the Renaissance located between Milan and Pavia, a place to go for an enjoyable day immersed in art, history and faith.

Gian Galeazzo Visconti, son of the conqueror of Pavia Galeazzo II, intended the Certosa to be a private place of prayer and the family tomb. In 1396, when work on the building began, the Certosa was situated on the edge of the castle park, in a wooded area which served also as hunting grounds for the Visconti. It would take until 1428, almost thirty years later, for the church to be completed and consecrated. The renowned façade, consisting of three different types of marble – white, green and black – was created at a later date, during works which went on beyond the year 1500. The inside of the church is in Gothic style, with three naves and trompe l’oeil frescoes of monks which appear to be leaning out to see visitors and false painted lighting. According to its founder’s wishes, the Certosa houses the remains of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Ludovico il Moro and Beatrice d’Este. Another aspect of note is the repetition of the six letter monogramme “GRA CAR”, abbreviation of Gratiarum Carthusia or Certosa delle Grazie.

The Certosa can be reached from the centre of Pavia by car, bus, bicycle or even on foot! It is a short distance away from the city centre, located only 7 kilometres from Pavia Castle. By car following the road Strada provinciale 35 dei Giovi, you will arrive at main crossroads leading to the Monument boulevard. Cars can be parked in public carparks for a fee. For those who prefer public transport, Trenord’s S13 line (Milano Bovisa – Pavia) runs twice an hour and stops at Certosa di Pavia station, a 10 minute walk along the walls of the complex to the main entrance. There is also a bus service from both Milan and Pavia, which stops along the provinciale 35 road, at San Michele church. The Certosa is a 15 minute walk from here.

For the more sports-minded there are also cycle and walking paths. There is a bicycle tourism itinerary which departs from Vernavola Park and arrives at the Certosa, returning to Pavia along the naviglio pavese canal.

A note regarding opening hours: as well as being a normally operating church, the Certosa also houses a certosino monastery. Visiting hours for the public are limited in order to allow daily monastic life to be carried out. In general morning visiting hours are from 9 to 11.30 and afternoons from 14.30 to 16. During summer months the afternoon visiting hours are extended. We recommend checking visiting hours before setting out to the Certosa.

A must-see stop on the Renaissance tour of Lombardy is located not far away in Lodi: L’Incoronata di Lodi.