Home of the famous University of Pavia, this town (formerly the Roman Ticinum) used to rival Milan as the capital of the Lombard Kings until the 11th century. Lots of other history happened (yawn) and now it's a neat, clean, RICH little town with lots of young life due to its university. A cute place to visit, especially if you have a built-in tour guide like I did!

I went to see Desiree, a friend of mine. She's studying Italian Literature at the University of Pavia and having the experience of a lifetime.