I love Pavia.

Besides the impressive churches, there is so much more to Pavia. Before I crossed the Ticino River on a covered bridge into Pavia, I simply had to admire the view. I could tell that I’m going to enjoy my first rest day since Milan.

Of course, as I prepared to cross the bridge, I get my first taste of Italian politics. A smallish group is preparing to demonstrate as it marches to the center of town.

Although Pavia has a population around 75,000, the city has 25,000 university students. Founded in 1343, the University of Pavia has certainly been around for awhile! Although Columbus’ ancestry is a mystery, some claim that he attended the university. Of course, the university has a statue for him. With that many students, the whole historic center buzzes with energy.

Wandering the streets is fun. Here are some other photos of Pavia.