Pavia (ancient Ticinum), city, northern Italy, capital of Pavia Province, in Lombardy (Lombardia) Region, on the Ticino River near its confluence with the Po River. It is an industrial center specializing in the manufacture of sewing machines, agricultural machinery, toys, chemicals, synthetic fibers, and processed food. The most famous landmark is the Certosa, a monastery founded by the Carthusians in 1396. Pavia is the site of a university established in 1361.
A municipality of the Roman Empire, Pavia was occupied successively by the Goths, the Byzantines, and the Lombards, who made it their capital. Late in the 11th century it became an independent commune. At various times thereafter Pavia was controlled by the powerful Visconti family and by Spain, France, and Austria. Population (1997 estimate) 74,201.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Pavia Information info
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