Certosa di Pavia: Monastery, Art and Paths Through History

Monastery Complex and Art at Certosa di Pavia

Certosa di Pavia is a Cistercian monastery and a sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Grace. Construction began under Gian Galeazzo Visconti on 27 August 1396. The church has the floor plan of a Latin cross with three naves, an apse and a transept. It contains the only surviving panel from Perugino’s polyptych at the Certosa, the work “Eternal Father”. Architecture, religious character and a single significant work of art come together here in direct proximity.

The Museo della Certosa di Pavia is located in the Palazzo Ducale, the former summer residence of the Visconti-Sforza family. The ground-floor Gipsoteca contains plaster casts of the reliefs on the church façade, as well as other works that once adorned the monument. The first floor houses a picture gallery, a sculpture collection and a fresco studiolo from the second half of the 16th century.

Chiostro Grande and Parco Nuovo

The Chiostro Grande combines spaciousness with many small, clearly defined units. It is approximately 125 metres long and 100 metres wide; these measurements should be understood as approximate. Today, 24 monks’ cells or small houses border the Chiostro Grande. Each of these units consists of three rooms and a garden. The terracotta ornaments of the large cloister were created in 1478 by Rinaldo de Stauris together with Cristoforo and Antonio Mantegazza. This is precisely where the relationship between the building, ornamental design and monastic structure can be viewed in concentrated form.

Parco Nuovo was extended by Gian Galeazzo Visconti around 1390 as far as the walls of Certosa di Pavia.

Opening Hours for Your Planning

From 29 March 2026, the Complesso Monumentale e Museo della Certosa di Pavia will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Last admission is at 5:30 pm; it is closed on Mondays. These times provide a clear framework for your day if you would like to combine the museum, church and the various areas of the complex.

On Foot, by Bike and by Bus

A rural route for cyclists and pedestrians runs between the railway station and Certosa di Pavia. It follows paved roads in some sections and an unpaved path in others, bypasses the monument walls and leads directly to the main entrance.

For longer cycling tours, the “Da Milano a Pavia” route follows the towpath along the Naviglio Pavese to Certosa di Pavia. Another option is the Greenway: this 18-kilometre walking and cycling route connects Certosa di Pavia with the River Ticino and mainly follows the course of the Roggia Vernavola.

Bus services run from Pavia and Milan to Certosa di Pavia. The stop is located on the SP 35 near the Church of San Michele. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to the monument via Viale Certosa. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether to focus on Certosa itself, the routes from the railway station, or a connection with Pavia and Milan.

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For the overarching travel overview: Pavia.