Events: The revolt in Pavia, 23 – 25 May 1796

Stops:   Pavia

The trail: The Pavia trail traces the dramatic events taking place in Pavia only a few days after Bonaparte had entered Milan, events that temporarily disrupted his plans to resume the pursuit of the Austrians. Weary of the French army’s ruthless behaviour, the citizens of Pavia rose against the French garrison in occupation of the city. Set in the wonderfully preserved old university city of Pavia, recognised as one of the most liveable cities in Italy, the Pavia trail incorporates some of the city’s most important attractions counting the Castello Visconteo, the Broletto and the cathedral square.

Sights:

Il Regisole: Ever since Augereau’s troops had taken control of Pavia, tension had been mounting in the streets. On 16 May local revolutionaries erected a tree of liberty in the cathedral square and soon after they tore down the Regisole, an equestrian statue, which to them symbolised oppression.

Church of Santa Maria del Carmine: On 23 May the population (mostly villagers from Pavia’s surrounding districts) rose against the French garrison to the sound of the tocsin of the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Open to the public.

Castello Visconteo: The French garrison failed to defuse the uprising and instead ended up locked up in the Castello Visconteo. Apart from housing the city’s civic museum, the castle also keeps the city’s Museo Risorgimento. The museum was partially closed at the time of writing.

Broletto: The French commander of the garrison attempted to reach a peaceful solution with the city authorities but to no avail. The talks were conducted in the city hall, the Broletto. Not open to the public.

Ponte Coperto: Bonaparte was on the road to the front when the uprising in Pavia broke out. Afraid that the revolt might escalate, he retraced his steps to Milan, organised a punitive force and departed for Pavia. En route troubles had also broken out in Binasco and Lannes’ punitive force had first to clamp down on the rioters here before he was able to resume the march to Pavia. With Lannes’ march across the Ponte Coperto the rioters vanished like dew before the sun.

Palazzo Vescovile: The Milanese Bishop had been persuaded to come along in order to read aloud a proclamation that was designed by Bonaparte to appease the crowd. The second attempt to read it out loud was conducted from the balcony of the bishop’s palace. Not open to the public.