The word Certosa comes from the Carthusian order — monks famous for their silence, simplicity, and self-sufficiency. Wealthy patrons once lavished these monasteries with funds, and the Certosa di Pavia, built between 1396 and 1507, is among the finest.
Unlike some remote or closed monasteries in Italy, this one is easy to reach and open to visitors. And it’s not just a museum — monks still live here. You’re stepping into an active spiritual space, not a relic.
A monastery still alive
At its peak, the monastery housed 24 Carthusian monks. Today, it’s home to seven Cistercian monks, who live a quieter version of communal life — one still centred on contemplation and work.
It’s also a place with surprising stories. The monks here weren’t just praying; they were innovating — introducing rice farming techniques that are still used in Lombardy today.
During your visit, you might catch a glimpse of the monks, but only one is allowed to speak publicly. He leads the tours — a rare chance to hear the story from someone who lives it.
What to expect on your visit
A visit lasts around 40 minutes. No booking is required — just show up. Tours are conducted in Italian, but even without the language, the visuals speak volumes.
The atmosphere is serene. You’ll visit the church, cloisters, chapels, and even a monk’s cell — two small floors, a desk, and a private garden for reflection. Simple and beautiful.
Look out for the small wooden “meal pass-through” shelves in the walls. Meals were once delivered here so monks could maintain their vow of silence.
Art lovers will appreciate the Renaissance and Baroque artworks: stained glass, marble sculptures, frescoes — all tucked into the quiet interiors. There’s also a modest museum showcasing centuries of monastic artefacts.
Practical tips for visiting
- Opening hours: Closed on Mondays. Check the official website before your visit — hours can vary.
- Dress modestly: Covered shoulders and knees are required.
- Photos: Officially not allowed inside, though enforcement is relaxed. Just don’t photograph the monks.
- Shop local: The monks sell their own herbal teas, soaps, honey, and rice. Their rice is legendary — I took some home and made the fluffiest risotto of my life.
How to get to Certosa di Pavia
From Milan:
- Via Milano Porta Garibaldi Passante:
Trains run 1–2 times an hour, journey time ~40 min. The most direct option. - Via Milano Rogoredo:
Trains run every 30 minutes, and the ride takes ~20 min.
⚠️ The station platform is short — stand near the middle of the train for easy disembarking.
Once off the train, it’s a short 15-minute walk to the monastery. You’ll see it from the tracks. There’s also a café near the station for a quick snack.
From Pavia:
It’s doable but less convenient. The monastery is 8 km from central Pavia, so you’ll need a bus or regional train to reach it.
Final Thoughts
I’m not religious, but Certosa di Pavia moved me in ways I didn’t expect. Places like this are rare — not frozen in time, but quietly continuing on, with people still living, working, and praying behind the cloister walls.
It’s one thing to read about monastic life in a novel or watch it in a film. It’s another to stand inside a centuries-old cell, see the shelf where meals were passed in silence, and realise: this isn’t a set. It’s real.
You don’t have to believe in anything to feel the weight of this place — its beauty, stillness, and sheer endurance. And that, I think, is what makes it worth the short trip from Milan.
The beautifully carved facade is mostly made from Carrara marble.
It’s absolutely stunning up close — the detail in the marble is unbelievable.
Each small tower crowns a separate two-story monk’s cell.
These frescoes add colour and character to the monastery’s walls.
Certosa di Pavia train station is pretty small, and not many people get off here.
It’s just a 15-minute walk from the station to the monastery entrance.
