Museums in Pavia

Lombardia, Italy

Pavia, a historic city in Lombardy, Italy, offers a variety of museums that provide a deep insight into its rich history and culture. The museums are spread throughout the city, giving visitors the opportunity to discover various aspects of the city's history.

Civic Museums of Pavia:

Located in the Visconti Castle, the civic museums house several departments:

Archaeological Museum and Lombard Hall: This department presents artifacts from the Roman and Lombard eras, including one of the largest collections of Roman glass in Northern Italy as well as significant finds from the Lombard period.

Pinacoteca Malaspina: The gallery showcases works by renowned artists from the 13th to the 20th century, including paintings by Gentile da Fabriano, Antonello da Messina, and Correggio.

Museum of the Risorgimento: This museum is dedicated to the history of Italian unification and displays exhibits from the 18th and 19th centuries reflecting the social, economic, and cultural life in Pavia during that time.

University Museum of Pavia:

The University of Pavia has an extensive network of museums covering various scientific disciplines:

Museum of University History: This museum collects scientific instruments, anatomical and pathological specimens, and historical documents proving the centuries-old history of the university.

Cosmos - Natural History Museum: One of the oldest natural history museums in Italy, founded in 1771, it houses an impressive collection of over 30,000 fossils, including skeletons of invertebrates and vertebrates from the Pliocene and Miocene periods.

Museum of Electrical Technology: This museum illustrates the history of electrical technology and includes five different sections documenting the development of electrical devices and systems.

Mineralogy Museum: Founded by Lazzaro Spallanzani, it showcases an extensive collection of minerals and rocks reflecting the geological diversity of the region.

Diocesan Museum of Pavia:

Established in 2023, this museum is located in the crypt of the former Cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo. It houses liturgical objects, sculptures, and paintings, including a gilded ivory crucifix from the 12th century crafted by Arabic artisans in a Sicilian workshop.

These museums offer a comprehensive insight into the diverse history and culture of Pavia and are of interest to every visitor.