Pavia is located in the south-west part of the region and at 77 metres above sea level, on the left bank of the Ticino river. Its roots are Ligurian but it became important in the Roman period when it became a municipality. It is a very important cultural centre as well as being home to a university with two well-stocked libraries and a Museo Civico. Worth a visit is the basilica of San Michele, the basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d‘Oro, the basilica di San Teodoro, the Duomo, the majestic castle of the Visconti family, the Ponte Coperto as well as numerous other churches and "palazzi" which includes the palazzo that houses the university.