Highlights
- Certosa di Pavia
- Pavia covered bridge
- Pavia University
- San Michele Maggiore basilica
Stage conditions
| Section | Po Valley (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Minimal |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Garlasco has a station on the Vercelli–Pavia line, which shadows the stage. Pavia, at the end, is on the Milan–Genoa main line with regional and Intercity trains, and lines to Alessandria, Vercelli, Mantua and Stradella; Milan is about half an hour. Milan Linate is roughly 20 km from the city and Malpensa is reached via Milan.
What the season does
Best months are April to June and September to October; the stage data drops July and August and warns the stage is flat and exposed. In spring and autumn it is a pleasant day through poplar groves and paddies, ending along the shaded Ticino; in summer it is a heat problem, so carry a hat and plenty of water.
Safety on this stage
Farm lanes and canal paths with agricultural traffic and little shade, until the last stretch into Pavia along the Ticino, which is shaded and pleasant. Take care at the road crossings.
Water and food
Water is marked abundant, but the source stage pages are more cautious: on this half, fountains only at Villanova d'Ardenghi, and Gropello Cairoli has bars. Leave Garlasco with two litres and refill at Villanova before the final 10 km. Pavia has shops, cafés and fountains once you are across the covered bridge.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory lists the Ostello Santa Maria in Bethlem, a convent-run hostel. It is in the parish house of the church of Santa Maria in Betlem in the Borgo Ticino district, 600 m from the historic centre, with six rooms sleeping 23, a common room with Wi-Fi, microwave and kettle, and a garden; check-in is 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:30, pilgrims with a credential are welcome, and sleeping bags are not allowed. Bus lines 1, 21 and 22 link it to the station. Pavia also has hotels and B&Bs at every level.
Sources: Wikipedia — Pavia railway station · Camminando sulla Via Francigena — IT13 Garlasco – Pavia · Ospitalità Religiosa — Ostello Santa Maria in Betlem, Pavia
Common questions
How long is the Garlasco to Pavia stage?
It is 24.9 km (15.5 mi) and takes about 6.5 hours of walking, from Garlasco to Pavia.
How hard is Garlasco to Pavia?
It is rated easy with 121 m of ascent and 141 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Garlasco to Pavia stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Garlasco and away from Pavia?
Garlasco has a station on the Vercelli–Pavia line, which shadows the stage. Pavia, at the end, is on the Milan–Genoa main line with regional and Intercity trains, and lines to Alessandria, Vercelli, Mantua and Stradella; Milan is about half an hour. Milan Linate is roughly 20 km from the city and Malpensa is reached via Milan.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Pavia?
Our directory lists the Ostello Santa Maria in Bethlem, a convent-run hostel. It is in the parish house of the church of Santa Maria in Betlem in the Borgo Ticino district, 600 m from the historic centre, with six rooms sleeping 23, a common room with Wi-Fi, microwave and kettle, and a garden; check-in is 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:30, pilgrims with a credential are welcome, and sleeping bags are not allowed. Bus lines 1, 21 and 22 link it to the station.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.