www.visitapavia.it | Pavia and Pavese

The Church of San Michele Maggiore is in the heart of Pavia’s historic centre and is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the city. The church is one of the best examples of Lombard-Romanesque style. Although located on the original site of a Lombard church, it was rebuilt in mid 12th century after an earthquake in 1117. For centuries it was here that kings were crowned from Berengario I to Henry II in 1004 but in the actual church only Frederick Barbarossa who was crowned in 1155. The gabled façade (typically Romanesque) was made using delicate sandstone and finished with faux arcading on the highest levels. Main characteristics of the interior include a gold crucifix, a christus triumphans (Christ triumphant) dating pre 12th century. The bell tower dates back to the 11th century whereas the original pyramid roof was replaced in 1825 with a corona for the bells.