Certosa di Pavia
Certosa di Pavia, Italy
A great Carthusian monastery of the 14th and 15th centuries with a carved marble façade and cloisters lined with monks’ cells. Entry is free; it closes on Mondays and at midday, so check times.
Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first Duke of Milan, had the Certosa built as a Carthusian monastery and family mausoleum; the foundation stone was laid on 27 August 1396. Building continued until 1495, the church was consecrated in 1497 and the lower part of the façade was completed in 1507. The façade is covered with marble reliefs, inlay work and statues; the portal is by Benedetto Briosco (1501). The tomb of Gian Galeazzo Visconti lies in the south transept, and a cenotaph for Ludovico Sforza and Beatrice d'Este in the north.
Lonely Planet describes the complex as a hybrid of late Gothic and Renaissance. The Great Cloister measures about 125 by 100 m, and the 24 monks' cells open onto its garden; some cells can only be seen on a guided tour. The chapels contain frescoes by Bernardino Luini and Perugino, among others. Cistercians live in the monastery today; it was originally Carthusian.
The Certosa lies about 8 km north of Pavia and fits well on a route between Milan and Pavia; according to Frommer's the drive from Milan on the A7 takes about half an hour. Allow one to two hours, and check opening times and entry rules in advance.
- Nearest town
- Certosa di Pavia, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.2573, 9.1470
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Certosa ParkMotorhome stopover0 km from Certosa di PaviaMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping TicinoCampsite7 km from Certosa di PaviaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Podere Ronchetto AgriturismoCampsite16 km from Certosa di PaviaTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- NuovorimessaggioMotorhome stopover21 km from Certosa di PaviaMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Area Sosta Camper VigevanoMotorhome stopover23 km from Certosa di Pavia · 14 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Camping MilanoCampsite25 km from Certosa di Pavia · 130 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Certosa di Pavia?
Certosa di Pavia is in Certosa di Pavia, Italy, at GPS 45.2573, 9.1470. It is about 8 km from Pavia.
Can you camp near Certosa di Pavia?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Certosa Park, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Certosa di Pavia?
Certosa di Pavia is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mantua, Sabbioneta and Cremona: Renaissance towns of the Po plain and Rice fields, vine-covered hills and salami – by camper from Pavia through the Lomellina and Oltrepò to Bobbio.
What is there to see near Certosa di Pavia?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bergamo Città Alta (64 km), Torrazzo of Cremona (70 km), San Carlone statue (73 km) and Morcote (74 km).
When is the best time to visit Certosa di Pavia?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)