A Certosa is a type of monastery originally built for Carthusian monks, who are known for their quiet and simple way of life. Wealthy patrons poured significant resources into these monasteries. Certosa di Pavia, built between 1396 and 1507, is one of the most famous.
Why Certosa di Pavia should be on your list
The beautifully carved facade is mostly made from Carrara marble.
It’s absolutely stunning up close!
Unlike some monasteries in Italy, where you might find the gates closed without warning, Certosa di Pavia is easy to visit. And it’s not just a museum – it’s a real, working monastery that lets you experience history firsthand.
At its peak, 24 Carthusian monks lived in this monastery. A lot has changed since then, and today, it is home to seven Cistercian monks, who follow a slightly different tradition.
In the past, this monastery wasn’t just a place of prayer. It was a hub for collecting art, fostering ideas, and even developing innovations like rice farming – techniques that locals still use today.
Life here remains peaceful and quiet. Monks take a vow of silence and spend their time praying, reading, and reflecting in their rooms. Still, you’ll likely see a few when you visit. One of them, freed from the vow of silence, leads tours and shares the monastery’s story.
What to see in Certosa di Pavia
Each small tower crowns a separate two-story monk’s cell.
These frescoes add colour and character to the monastery’s walls.
The visit lasts about 40 minutes, and there’s no need to book in advance. Our group had around 40 people. Tours are conducted in Italian, but don’t worry if, like me, you don’t speak the language – the visuals and atmosphere are more than enough to enjoy.
The tours are free and led by the monks themselves. Donations and sales from their shop help support the monastery’s upkeep.
You’ll get a glimpse of how the monks live and even have the chance to visit an empty cell. Their rooms are simple, two-story spaces with tiny gardens.
One quirky detail to notice is the wooden shelves built into the walls – these were used to pass meals without breaking the vow of silence.
The monastery’s interior is filled with art from the 15th to 18th centuries, including sculptures, stained glass, and frescoes. There’s also a small museum showcasing art and artefacts collected by the monks over the centuries.
Tips for visiting Certosa
Opening hours: The monastery is usually open every day except Mondays. Make sure to check the official Certosa di Pavia website for the latest schedule – opening times can sometimes change.
Dress code: Shoulders and knees need to be covered, so plan your outfit accordingly.
Photo: Officially, you’re not allowed to take photos inside the monastery buildings. But when we visited, plenty of people were snapping pictures, even with big cameras, and no one seemed to mind. Just make sure not to photograph the monks.
Shop for local products: After the tour, don’t miss the little shop! The monks sell herbal teas, soaps, honey, and rice. Their rice is especially popular – I tried it, and it made an amazing risotto.
Getting to Certosa di Pavia
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.
There are several easy ways to reach the monastery.
From Milan
Milano Porta Garibaldi Passante:
Trains leave directly from the underground Passante station at Milano Porta Garibaldi. This is the most convenient option if your main goal is visiting the Certosa. Trains run 1–2 times an hour, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
Milano Rogoredo:
Trains from Milano Rogoredo station run twice an hour during the day and take just 20 minutes.
!!! The platform at Certosa di Pavia station is short, so make sure to position yourself in the middle of the train for an easier exit.
Once you arrive at Certosa di Pavia train station, the monastery is visible from the tracks and only 1 km away. If you need a quick break, there’s a small café near the station where you can grab a snack or drink.
From Pavia:
While there are direct trains to Pavia, this route is less convenient for visiting the Certosa. The monastery is 8 km from Pavia’s city centre, so you’ll need to take a bus or another train to get there.
