Monday, November 24, 2008

The first snow in Pavia!

When I got up in the morning I saw the snow. Of course, it is nothing unusual for someone from Slovakia. However, it was the first time when I saw the snow in Pavia and I was delighted.


first snow in Pavia



During the day the temperature was around 3°C so that the most of the snow melted. I hope that there will be as much snow as in year 2006 in Pavia. Watch the next video from that year.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

From Pavia to Binasco by bike

When I got up in the morning day was sunny so I decided to take my bike out again. I didn't know where to cycle. However, I remembered the way from Pavia to Certosa di Pavia and knew that cycle-way continue further. I just wanted to see what is at the end of the road. I feel tired now but I enjoyed it!


Only me and my bike, I can't see the end of the road. I am also not sure if my bike can go such a long way, because I have really an old one. I bought used bike for only 25 Euro but it was a bad deal :) I can hear strange noises when I ride.

mia bicicletta vecchia - my old bike

The first stop was place called Borgarello. Actually, it was only one stone on which was written that name but I knew that I am on my 1/3 way to Certosa di Pavia so I was happy. I wasn't curious about Certosa, I wanted to see what is after that.

Borgarello stone

Cycle-way leads along small river canal. Some people catch fish and there are interesting steel bridges over the river.

steel bridge on my way

I passed through Certosa di Pavia (you can see the monastery in the middle) and was very curious what will be next.

Certosa di Pavia monastery

It was the half way to Milan from Pavia so something about 17 km when cyclo-way ended. I was thinking what to do, felt tired a little bit so I went into the town nearby. I didn't even know the name of that town but when I went inside, I was surprised. The town was small but there was nice castle in the middle and one church.

the church at Beata Veronica square

I found out later that I am in Binasco, castel is Castello Visconteo and square is called Beata Veronica. Lokal people knew immediately that I am stranger and they were staring at me a lot. It was funny thing to be there. I bought some biscuits in the shop and went back to Pavia.

Castello Visconteo - castel in Binasco

Castello Visconteo - castel in Binasco

I made this short video on my way back, sorry I don't know how to rotate it :)

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Certosa di Pavia explored!

The famous monastery complex Certosa di Pavia (or Charterhouse of Pavia) is just 10 km far from Pavia. The weather was very nice so that I and my czech friend went to Certosa di Pavia by bike.


Entrance gate to Certosa di Pavia

When we got there it was about 3 o'clock. Certosa di Pavia was opened from half past 4. To make our waiting shorter, we went for coffee and chocolate to the coffee-bar close to the entrance. The coffee wasn't bad, however, chocolate was much better!

Travel tip: Certosa di Pavia is closed on mondays so don't loose time and come other day than monday.

Church in Certosa di Pavia

We walked on the path to the church. It's facade is decorated with small sculptures of great detail. We entered the churk and when we were inside, we heard monk talking about the history of Certosa di Pavia. Although it might be interesting to listen, non of us can understand italian and monk was talking only italian. Most of the time we were just looking around.

Inside the church of Certosa di Pavia

From the church of Certosa di Pavia

We went from church into Small Cloister (Chiostro Piccolo) with the small garden in the middle.

The Small Cloister - Chiostro piccolo



The last place of monastery was the Big Cloister (Chiostro Grande) with cells of the monks. There was a big garden inside which look like football pitch. Probably, if monks have some free time, they play football there (just kidding).