The magnificent Certosa di Pavia, located 9.0 kilometers from the city of the same name, is a sublime, artistic masterpiece that was built at the behest of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who wanted to create a mausoleum a short distance from the Castle of Pavia, in an area that is located north of the Parco Nuovo, an extensive green lung on the outskirts of the city.
This spectacular monument was originally conceived as a mausoleum to house the bodies of the deceased belonging to the Visconti-Sforza dynasty, but it was thanks to Ludovico il Moro, a famous exponent of the Sforza branch, that the great artistic works in the Duchy began, such as this superfine jewel of the Lombard and Italian Renaissance, also called Certosa delle Grazie or in Latin Gatiarum Carthusia.
The Certosa was originally built in the late fourteenth century as a votive offering by Gian Galeazzo, Lord of the Visconti Duchy, who allowed work to begin on August 27, 1396, although the work was finished two centuries later.
A stop in front of the extraordinary façade is a must, from which it immediately shines out for its wonderful architectural lines, a magnificent composition of late Italic Gothic very developed in Lombardy with a refined Renaissance trait transported to Lombardy by the masters Donato Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci authentic pioneers of the Renaissance, creators in transmitting the new canons of an artistic movement that was changing history in its own way.
You will notice how these different styles blend where the decorations, traditionally used in the Lombard school, blend perfectly with rectangles and other geometric shapes including medallions with the heads of famous people from history.
In the upper section there is a very extensive artistic representation of the Old Testament alongside stages in the life of Christ and the presence of other biblical figures such as Saints, Evangelists and Prophets.
Most of these works were contributed with great style by the masters of the Renaissance, such as Bernardo da Venezia, the designer Giovanni Solari assisted by his son Guiniforte and the later works of Giovanni Antonio Amadeo.
In general, this architectural masterpiece reveals the artistic hand of masters from different eras who participated in chronological stages in the final success of this masterpiece, declared a national monument in 1866.
Continuation on the right side of the transept with the tomb of the founder Gian Galeazzo Visconti, while on the opposite side is the funerary monument of Ludovico il Moro Sforza, buried in the company of his wife Beatrice D'Este.
The interior takes inspiration from the Duomo of Milan , the ecclesiastical nerve center of the Milanese Curia, you can see many similarities in the three naves that appear with very marked Gothic lines where the traditional, highly developed decorated cross vaults stand out, frescoes depicting Saints, Carthusian figures and starry skies.
In correspondence with the left transept were frescoes in honour of the noble Dukes Sforza and Visconti.
A wonderful highlight is the extraordinary cycle of frescoes by Bergognone, of great artistic importance also the beautiful wooden choir with masterful inlay and carving works in the Old Sacristy and the famous triptych developed with hippopotamus teeth.
I continue with the magnificent Great Cloister, a masterpiece completed in 1472, exactly ten years after the covering of the Church, a work commissioned by Francesco Sforza.
Extraordinary work above all for the geometry existing in its development, the precious materials used, the symmetry of the elements where magnificent terracotta arches stand out, splendidly supported by refined marble columns, as well as the minor cloister, less pompous but of equal charm.
In the basement you can visit the Certosa Museum which houses over 200 plaster casts corresponding to the reliefs used for the creation of the wonderful façade but also from other sections including the two cloisters, another excellent opportunity to appreciate the fine art of the elements used.
On the upper floor there is another museum space containing portraits of the Visconti and Sforza Dukes, paintings, altarpieces, sculptures, sacred objects, vestments, marble high reliefs.
The complex managed and inhabited by the Cistercian Monks who replaced the contemplative Monastic Order of the Carthusians is completed with the Refectory, the cells that house the Monks and a small shop where it will be possible for those who wish to buy liqueurs, candies and sweets of monastic manufacture.
At the end of the visit at the end of the visit, there is time for your lunch. Remaining in the traditional first course, you can opt for Risotto with Beans and Sausage or Soup alla Pavese.
Among the main courses, a choice of Trout in White Wine with Salad or Ossobuco with Peas. The Oltrepo' Pavese area offers a great variety of fine wines, so you will be spoilt for choice to accompany your lunch.
Visiting the Certosa di Pavia is a unique experience, a full immersion in history and art at the highest exponential levels in being able to admire something unique, leaving indelible memories.
Link : https://www.certosadipavia.it/
Where to Stay | Recommended Accomodation in the area
Agriturismo Maiocchi - http://www.laramaiocchi.it/index.php?lang=it
Agriturismo Cascina Mora - https://www.cascinamora.it/
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