Pavia is a thriving industrial and cultural center on the banks of the Ticino River, south of Milan. The town is best known for its prestigious university, which was once attended by explorer Christopher Columbus and physicist Alessandro Volta.

Another interesting sight is the forbidding Castello Visconti. It was built in 1360 for Galeazzo II Visconti, but he never actually resided there. The medieval castle includes an interesting modern art museum.

Also in Pavia is the 14th-century Certosa di Pavia, a monastery that was built in Gothic style. It was once one of the most lavish buildings in northern Italy. The monastery includes the sacristy of tromp l'oeil murals. It dates from 1409 and was made completely out of hippopotamus teeth. The monastery also includes many small sculptures.

Accommodation and restaurants are available in Pavia. The town is a half-hour trip from Milan.