The Certosa of Padula (or of San Lorenzo di Padula) is one of the largest monasteries in the world, located in the city of Padula, in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region, Italy.
This Certosa was founded in the 14th century by Tommaso di San Severino. The current building dates back to the 17th century, when the monastery was enlarged and enriched under the patronage of the Carafa family. This family was one of the most powerful in the area.
It covers an area of about 51,500 square meters. It includes numerous chapels, courtyards, gardens and rooms, including the great Chapter hall, the library, the refectory and the monks’ cells.
What are the main attractions of the Certosa of Padula?
One of the highlights of the Certosa di Padula is its large church, which features an imposing Baroque facade and a series of side chapels decorated with frescoes and sculptures by well-known artists of the time.
The Certosa di Padula is also famous for its large cloister. It is one of the largest in Europe. In fact, it has an area of about 12,000 square meters. The cloister is surrounded by a series of arches and columns and has a central garden with a fountain.
The Certosa di Padula was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. It is currently open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction. A visit to the Certosa di Padula takes several hours and we recommend dedicating at least half a day to be able to fully appreciate it.
When to visit?
The Certosa of Padula is open all year round, except on Tuesdays. Opening hours may vary according to the season. Generally, the Certosa is open from 9:00 to 19:00, with the last admission allowed at 18:00.
However, we advise you to check the opening hours before visiting the Certosa, as there may be variations during holidays or in case of special events.
As for the best season to visit this place, it depends on your personal preferences. In general, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant seasons to visit the Campania region, as temperatures are mild and the climate is generally pleasant.
However, if you’d rather avoid the crowds, you might consider visiting the Charterhouse during the winter months or on weekdays. In any case, we advise you to arrive early to avoid the long queues and to be able to explore the Certosa in peace and quiet. For more information and to organize a visit, see the official website of the Certosa.
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