[1] In 1429 Cardinal Branda da Castiglione, who had studied at the University of Pavia, decided to found a college in the city that was initially to host 24 poor but deserving students: 18 Italians and six foreigners.

In addition to the goods essential to its existence, Cardinal da Castiglione endowed his foundation with a refectory, a garden, a rich library, and a chapel, and also donated vast agricultural properties in the Pavian countryside to the college.

In the second half of the 16th century, Cardinal Francesco Abbondio Castiglioni took care of the college, rearranging its finances and bringing the number of students in 1570 to over twenty.

The ancient and monumental structure is spread over three floors above ground with staggered levels and has brick masonry left exposed.

The oratory consists of a square room covered by rib vaults inside which, within wreaths of flowers and fruit, there are four medallions with the symbols of the Evangelists, while the creases are flanked by festoons that stand out against the dark red background.