Monastery of Santa Maria Teodote, Religious complex in Pavia, Italy

The Monastery of Santa Maria Teodote is a complex made up of a church, cloister with marble columns, terracotta decorations, and structures from different periods. The site reveals multiple architectural layers built over many centuries.

The monastery was founded in the 7th century under King Cunipert and was one of the first female religious communities in Lombardy. Its creation marked an important turning point for women's monastic life in the region.

The name "della Pusterla" comes from a small city gate that once stood nearby, while "di Teodote" recalls Theodota, the lover of King Cunipert, who was received in the monastery. In the church of Sant'Andrea, a fresco shows Theodota presenting the model of the church to Saint Benedict.

The complex now functions as a seminary for priests and remains connected to religious education. Visitors should note that access times may be limited since the grounds are actively used for religious purposes.

In the northern side of the cloister, set into the masonry, survive the remains of the massive bell tower of the Lombard-era oratory of San Michele alla Pusterla, decorated with brick crosses in relief. The oratory itself was demolished in 1867 and investigated archaeologically in the 1970s.