Certosa di Pavia

History

Commissioned in 1396 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti as a dynastic mausoleum and entrusted to the Carthusians, the Certosa is one of the absolute peaks of the Lombard Renaissance: the marble façade, the cloisters with the monks' cells and the Visconti-Sforza tombs make it unique. After the Carthusians several orders succeeded one another; from 1968 it was kept by the Cistercians of Casamari, who left the complex in 2025. Since 1 January 2026 the Certosa has been run directly by the Ministry of Culture (National Museums of Lombardy), with extended hours and an entrance ticket.

Visiting

What to see

Among the most grandiose monastic complexes in Europe. Marble facade richly sculpted. Grand cloister with 122 arches. Monks' cells with private gardens. Frescoes by Bergognone. Polyptych by Perugino.

Surroundings

Pavia countryside 10 km from Pavia. Naviglio Pavese waterway cycling route. Rice fields and historic farmhouses. Certosa risotto, Varzi salami.

Visitor information

Tue-Sun 10am-4pm (winter time) / 10am-6pm (summer time), last entry 30 minutes before closing. Closed Mondays.

Contacts

+39 0382 925613 · certosadipavia.it

Hospitality and where to sleep

No guesthouse

No change needed: from 1 January 2026 the Certosa is managed by the Ministry of Culture. Full ticket 10 euros, no religious hospitality.

Beds and prices

With the monks' departure there is no longer any religious hospitality in the complex. Practical alternatives: B&Bs and small hotels in the village of Certosa di Pavia and nearby, or Pavia (10 km), with accommodation in every price range from hostel to hotel.

Services

Bars, ice-cream parlours and restaurants in the village just outside the monumental precinct, where you can also refill water. Full phone coverage, card payments everywhere in the village. No cyclist services inside: the complex is now a state museum in every respect.

Places to stay nearby (within 15 km)

• Camping Ticinocampsite
  Pavia (Lido, via Mascherpa 16) · 8.8 km as the crow flies

  Price:

  ~€26–29 per pitch/night

  Open:

  late April – early October

  Facilities:

  shaded tent pitches, hot showers, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, in the Ticino Park 2.5 km from the centre

  Source:

  campingticino.it · camping.info/en/campsite/camping-ticino

  Two-star campsite on the Ticino, just past the Certosa di Pavia: the perfect first night out of Milan/Morimondo.

Getting there by bike

An ideal cycling approach: from Milan follow the towpath of the Naviglio Pavese (about 30 flat km, asphalt and smooth gravel) to the village of Certosa di Pavia; from Pavia it is about 9 km. From the village an avenue leads to the entrance vestibule, where you leave the bike locked. Since 2026 entry is charged (10 € according to the local press; free on the first Sunday of the month); closed Mondays. The Certosa railway station, about 1 km away, is a useful plan B.

The towpath of the Naviglio Pavese leads to the marble vestibule, almost entirely flat. From 2026 there is a ticket to pay here too, the monks are gone. The bike stays locked outside, inside it is a museum only.

Bike left locked at the entrance vestibule. Bars, gelaterias and restaurants in the village just outside the monumental precinct.

Map and stages