Castello Visconteo in Pavia is an oasis of peace just a short way from the city centre.
In the Musei Civici (public museums) inside the castle you can relive the atmosphere of life in the court and admire the breathtaking views of the city.
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Opening days
Open every day except Tuesday
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Opening times
10.00 -18.00
The ticket office closes at 17.30
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Closing
Tuesday
25 and 26 December, 1 January and 15 August
- Web Visconti Castle Civic Museums
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
The museums are not fully wheelchair accessible.
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Info Reservation
individuals and groups
+39 0382 399770
HISTORY
A 14th century architectural masterpiece, Castello Visconteo’s three frescoed floors are home to precious public collections and host numerous temporary exhibitions.
The Castle was built on the orders of Galeazzo II Visconti in just five years, between 1360 and 1365. A park extended for almost nine kilometres to the north of the building connecting the Castle with the magnificent Certosa di Pavia.
This was the site of one the most important battles in history: the clash between the French army of Francis I of France and the army of Emperor Charles V. Fought on 24 February 1525, the battle resulted in a clear victory for Charles V and marked the beginning of the use of firearms in military strategy.
VISITING THE MUSEI CIVICI OF PAVIA
The precious collections of the public museums lift the lid on the various different dimensions of Pavia. Only here can you discover the origins of the city, relive the splendour of the Lombard era, stroll among paintings and sculptures and admire the wooden model of the city’s Cathedral, a rare example from the Renaissance period.
The exhibition consists of various sections.
- Archaeology museum and Romanesque and Renaissance section, with fine Roman era glass and Lombard gold.
- The painting collection, including the Pinacoteca Malaspina, with works by Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini and Vincenzo Foppa, and the Morone collection, with canvases by Federico Zandomeneghi, Giuseppe De Nittis and Giovanni Segantini.
- The modern sculpture and plaster cast collection, recently reorganised
If you are in Pavia you won’t want to miss a visit to Castello Visconteo and the Musei Civici. You will enjoy an unforgettable experience surrounded by the artists and stories that have made this city great.
Any particular questions? We’re waiting to hear from you, get in touch so we can help organise your trip.
Services
- Bookshop
- Wardrobe
Additional Info
Open sections: courtyard of the Visconti Castle, museum rooms on the ground floor of the Civic Museums (Archaeology and Romanesque and Renaissance Sculpture) and section of Modern Sculpture and Gipsoteca.
TICKETS
_FULL PRICE
€ 10.00 combined Musei Civici (all sections open)
_FULL PRICE
€ 5.00
_FREE
- Lombardy Milan Museums Subscription holders
- ICOM members
- visitors under 26 and over 70 years of age
- touri guides and journalists in the exercise of their activity, on presentation of a professional card
- school groups and their companions (reservation required at least 7 working days in advance at prenotazionimc@comune.pv.it)
- handicapped persons and their companions
- university students or students of academies over 26 years of age authorised by the Pavia Civic Museums Directorate for specific study purposes (to obtain authorisation write to museicivici@comune.pv.it)
- users whose birthday falls on the visiting day
- foreign citizens residing in the twin cities with Pavia: Vilnius (Lithuania), Hildesheim (Germany), Besancon (France), Zakynthos (Greece), Bethlehem (State of Palestine), Hersbruck (Germany)
- free admission to special promotional days organised by the Museums, also in agreement with MiBACT and ICOM
- free entrance to the Castle Court
_MY MUSEUM CARD € 18.00
The My Museum Card of the Civic Museums of Pavia allows unlimited access for 365 days to the exhibition halls and exhibitions organized exclusively by the museums and also provides some additional services:
- invitation reserved for the inauguration of exhibitions hosted in the Castle or sponsored by the Municipality or the Museums
- free access to cultural initiatives, conferences and presentations, organised by the Museums, which are included in the price list at a cost of 1 euro
- a reserved and guided tour by the Director of the Museums to an exhibition section or to an artistic theme
10% discount on Museum-owned publications available at the bookshop - any facilities for exhibitions and other initiatives organised by external parties and hosted in the Castle
_ ADMISSION PRESALE
Groups and Schools
Reservation required to be made at least 7 working days in advance of the date of the visit by writing to prenotazionimc@comune.pv.it
Where
Viale XI Febbraio 35, Pavia (PV)
Transportation
Walking
from Pavia train station Viale Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza della Minerva. Underpass and Corso Cavour in direction of Piazza della Vittoria. Corso Strada Nuova until Piazza Castello.
