Founded on the left bank of the Ticino river more than two thousand years ago, Pavia still preserves a rich historical and artistic heritage. After Roman domination it was chosen as the capital of several reigns. First of all, in the 6th century, the Longobards, a people which came from the East and gave the name to the whole Italian Northern region (Lombardy), settled in Pavia and developed their civilisation. In the Middle Ages its strategic position was recognised by the German Emperors who kept it as the capital of the Regnum Italicum. Many Romanesque buildings and churches still remind that glorious period. But what is more important is the outstanding cultural role of Pavia University, one of the most ancient inEurope. Since its official foundation in 1361, it has always been a centre of excellence both in humanistic and scientific fields.It has hosted important academics, artists, scientists, real protagonists of the cultural scene such as Leonardo da Vinci, Volta and Einstein.

For 5 days you will live a cultural experience: you will discover a piece of history and science, you will eat the specialities of the region and you will see the most intersting places of the province of Pavia. We will take you on a bike trip to Certosa- the beautiful monastery founded in 1396 by G.Galeazzo Visconti. You will also see Vigevano (the project of its city centre was made by Leonardo da Vinci), Belgoioso and other places in Oltrepo Pavese famous of good vines. During your stay in Pavia you will have the opportunity to participate in “Festa del Ticino”, a one week event to celebrate the Ticino river and its fundamental role in the history. It will be a good occasion to discover some traditional aspects of the town and live the spirit of the place during participation in concerts, cultural and sport manifestations and theater performances. The summit of the celebration will be the pirotechnic perforamnce which has the natural stage- Ticino river.