March 1, 2025, departure by bus from the Moselle to Sesto San Giovanni in Italy, near Milan.
Classic Italian breakfast on the road near Como: Brioche al pistacchio, cappuccino.
Passing the San Siro Stadium, the headquarters of the Italian Campari Group, arrival at our Grand Hotel Barone Di Sassj, then heading to Pavia from Sesto San Giovanni train station then Milano Lambrate.
We’ll start by visiting the city of Pavia, about an hour from Milan.
Arrival at the train station, followed by the statue of Athena in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi.
Then head to the gardens of the “Palazzo Centrale dell’Università di Pavia,” with several works of art (tiger, wild boar, etc.) made from recycled materials.
Next, the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, and then the University of Pavia, one of the oldest in Europe and active in the Erasmus Project.
Continue your tour of Pavia, the University, and the magnificent “Biblioteca Universitaria di Pavia” library, with its antique woodwork, rare manuscripts, ancient books, and historic globe, revealing centuries of history.
Then, visit the Cortile Volta, dominated by the statue of Alessandro Volta, a pioneer of electricity and an emblematic figure of scientific research.
After the University, head to Leonardo da Vinci area, the Three Medieval Towers of Pavia, magnificent remains of the Lombard feudal era, the Teresiana Tower, the Maino Tower and the Clock Tower.
Lunch at the Al Vita Restaurant in Pavia. For me, “Polpo alla piastra”: Grilled octopus served on mashed potatoes with parsley and green sauce. Simply delicious!
The restaurant also offers flyers for the historic event, the 500th anniversary of the “Battle of Pavia” (1525-2025): the Italian Wars between Francis I and Charles V.
Pavia, a beautiful little town in Lombardy, continues our tour of the narrow streets lined with old brick houses, then the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore.
And now, let’s explore Pavia’s old covered bridge, the “Ponte Coperto.”
The view is magnificent, overlooking both banks of the Ticino River and the colorful houses of Borgo Ticino.
Facing the bridge is the statue of the washerwoman, which pays homage to the women who once came to wash clothes along the river.
Continue your tour of Pavia’s historic center.
Pavia Cathedral (Duomo di Pavia) and Piazza della Vittoria, with its arcades and terraces.
Visit the Visconti Castle of Pavia, an imposing medieval fortress built in the 14th century by the Dukes of Milan.
Continue your visit to the Visconteo Castle and the Crypt of St. Augustine in Pavia.
Then return by train to Milan.
