San Teodoro, Pavia, Romanesque church in Pavia, Italy.
San Teodoro is a Romanesque brick church in Pavia with three naves separated by cross-shaped pillars that rise from the floor. A central dome crowns the structure above, fitted with a two-part gallery that brings light into the interior space.
This church was originally dedicated to Saint Agnes in 752 but changed its dedication to Theodore, a bishop of Pavia, around the year 1000. This name change reflects shifts in local religious focus that took place over the centuries.
The south wall displays detailed frescoes from 1519 showing scenes of Saint Agnes, created by an unknown Lombard artist with explanatory captions above each scene. These paintings give visitors a sense of the religious tastes and artistic craftsmanship of the time in this region.
You can reach the church on foot from downtown Pavia and should spend time exploring the main interior spaces where most of the artwork is located. Access can vary depending on church activities, so visiting in the early afternoon often means fewer crowds.
A striking 1525 fresco by Bernardino Lanzani shows an accurate view of medieval Pavia's layout with its towers, castle, bridge, and churches in detail. This artwork functions as a visual record of how the city looked centuries ago and helps visitors understand the medieval townscape.
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