The Lombard Romanesque style north of the Apennines and in Ampulia was in diverse exchange with architecture on the other side of the Alps. The Adriatic coasts of the Italian peninsula and Dalmatia have strong Byzantine influences, starting partly from the crusader ports (Venice and Apulia). In the south of Italy like in Sicily, the Romanesque architecture is characterized by an Arab-Byzantine-Norman symbiosis in art.
Located in the hilly landcape of Asti and at the foot of Monferrato the Abbey of Vezzolano fascinates its guests with its walls that were built of alternating layers of sandstone and brick, a choir screen that is abound in figures and its legendary foundation.
Alleys, streets, monuments, buildings: Pavia offers many paths to the visitor who arrives in town for the first time. Through its squares, avenues and covered bridge one can read Pavia's history: its grandeur is reflected in the town of today.