Chiesa di San Teodoro
A hidden Romanesque gem in Pavia, featuring stunning historical frescoes and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Discover its art and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and rarely crowded
Chiesa di San Teodoro
Best Time
Peaceful and rarely crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden Romanesque gem in Pavia, featuring stunning historical frescoes and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Discover its art and history.
"This church is incredible. The reach it, you need to find it, walking from narrow streets, it feels like a labyrinth."
🎯 Embrace the Labyrinth
Getting there is part of the magic! Wander through Pavia's narrow streets to find this hidden gem. :walking:
🖼️ Admire the Frescoes
Don't miss the detailed frescoes, especially the 1525/26 view of Pavia's medieval towers. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frescoes of Pavia's Past
Interior
Marvel at 16th-century frescoes, including a rare 1525/26 view of Pavia's medieval skyline.
Statue of St. Theodore
Near the altar
Admire the painted stone statue of St. Theodore, the patron saint of fishermen and the Ticino River.
Madonna and Child Altarpiece
Interior
A beautiful 13th-century altarpiece featuring the Madonna and child offers a serene focal point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding San Teodoro
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Labyrinth
Getting there is part of the magic! Wander through Pavia's narrow streets to find this hidden gem. :walking:
🖼️ Admire the Frescoes
Don't miss the detailed frescoes, especially the 1525/26 view of Pavia's medieval towers. :art:
🤫 Enjoy the Quiet
This church is incredibly peaceful, often with just you as the visitor. :zzz:
💰 It's Free!
Admission is free, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop in Pavia. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Labyrinth
Getting there is part of the magic! Wander through Pavia's narrow streets to find this hidden gem. :walking:
🖼️ Admire the Frescoes
Don't miss the detailed frescoes, especially the 1525/26 view of Pavia's medieval towers. :art:
🤫 Enjoy the Quiet
This church is incredibly peaceful, often with just you as the visitor. :zzz:
💰 It's Free!
Admission is free, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop in Pavia. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chiesa di San Teodoro for its incredible, often solitary, experience and the beauty of its historical frescoes, particularly the 1525/26 view of Pavia. Its free admission and continuous opening hours make it an accessible gem, though some might find its small size and brief visit time a drawback.
"This church is incredible. The reach it, you need to find it, walking from narrow streets, it feels like a labyrinth. Reach it is part of the magic of this place: no many people in a quite area, when you enter you discover a small church with many affresco representing Pavia’s history and more."
Dario Zampini
"Worth a visit. Highlights are the frescoes showing Pavia during the French siege (notice the canons). The painted stone statue of St Theodore near the altar is as also worth noting.
Very quiet. I was the only visitor. Unlike many other churches, it doesn't close midday.
In and out in 20 minutes. Free."
BT home
"San Teodoro is a Romanesque-style Roman Catholic church in the town center of Pavia, Italy.
A church at the site is documented since the year 752. The parish is cited in documents from the mid-13th-century. Initially the church was dedicated to Saint Agnes, but by the year 1000, it was dedicated to San Teodoro, bishop of Pavia who died in 778. The body of the saint, who is the protector of fisherman and those working in the River Ticino, is housed in the main altar.
The interior has a 13th-century altarpiece of a Madonna and child. and a series of early 16th-century frescoes depicting the Life of Sant'Agnese and San Teodoro. The Apse has a painting of the Adoration of the Lamb and some saints by Antonio Villa. The church has frescoes (1507) by Bramantino and Bernardino Lanzani. The latter's fresco includes a vista of Pavia in 1525/26 replete with medieval towers."
Florian Van Impe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chiesa di San Teodoro is located in the historic center of Pavia. The best way to find it is to embrace the journey through the city's narrow, winding streets. The experience of navigating the labyrinthine alleys is part of the charm and leads you to this less-visited spot.
Pavia's city center is walkable. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from the station through the town. Local buses also serve the city center, but the most rewarding way to reach San Teodoro is on foot to appreciate the historic surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unlike many other churches, Chiesa di San Teodoro does not close midday, making it accessible throughout the day. It's a great option for a visit anytime you're in the area.
No, admission to Chiesa di San Teodoro is completely free. This makes it an excellent and budget-friendly addition to your Pavia itinerary.
Yes, the church is generally open throughout the week, including Sundays, and importantly, it remains open during lunchtime, which is a significant advantage for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Chiesa di San Teodoro for personal use. However, it's always a good practice to be discreet and respectful of the sacred space.
The 16th-century frescoes, particularly the detailed historical scenes and the panoramic view of Pavia, are prime subjects. The painted stone statue of St. Theodore and the 13th-century altarpiece are also highly photogenic.
🎫 🏛️ History & Art
Chiesa di San Teodoro is a Romanesque church with roots dating back to 752 AD. It was initially dedicated to Saint Agnes before being rededicated to San Teodoro, the bishop of Pavia and protector of those working on the Ticino River.
The church features early 16th-century frescoes by artists like Bramantino and Bernardino Lanzani, depicting the Life of Sant'Agnese and San Teodoro. A notable fresco by Lanzani offers a historical vista of Pavia from 1525/26.
Key artworks include the 13th-century altarpiece of the Madonna and Child, the painted stone statue of St. Theodore near the altar, and the historical frescoes, especially the one showing Pavia with its medieval towers. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's free and rarely crowded, families can explore at their own pace without feeling pressured. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to historical art and architecture in a calm setting. The statue of St. Theodore, a protector of fishermen, might also be an interesting point of discussion.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Explorers
Being free and open throughout the day, it's an easy addition to any solo itinerary. You can spend as much or as little time as you like, soaking in the quiet atmosphere and the detailed frescoes, including the fascinating historical panorama of Pavia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of San Teodoro
One of the most captivating frescoes is Bernardino Lanzani's depiction of Pavia as it appeared in 1525/26. This detailed artwork showcases the city's medieval skyline, complete with its numerous towers, providing a unique historical perspective. Visitors often marvel at the accuracy and artistry of this panoramic view, which is a highlight for many.
Beyond the historical cityscapes, the church also houses a 13th-century altarpiece of the Madonna and Child and a notable painted stone statue of Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Pavia. These elements, combined with the overall atmosphere, make San Teodoro a significant artistic and historical site.
A Peaceful Retreat in Pavia
This peaceful ambiance is partly due to its location, tucked away in the historic center, requiring a bit of exploration to find. The journey through Pavia's charming, narrow streets adds to the sense of discovery. Once inside, the absence of crowds means you can take your time to admire the frescoes and soak in the serene environment without feeling rushed.
The church's consistent opening hours, including midday, further contribute to its accessibility as a peaceful escape. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a deeper appreciation of art and history away from the usual tourist hustle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit