It is named after the Certosa di Pavia, a large monastery around which the town grew up.

[4] The comune was created in 1929 by the former communes of Torre del Mangano, Torriano and Borgarello (which became again autonomous in 1958).

[5] The municipality is located north of Pavia and 30 km (19 mi) south of Milan.

It borders with the municipalities of Borgarello, Giussago, Marcignago, Pavia and Vellezzo Bellini.

Its territory is formed by the hamlets (frazioni) of Cascine Calderari, Samperone, Torre del Mangano (municipal seat) and Torriano.