Certosa di San Lorenzo, commonly referred to as Certosa di Padula, is regarded as one of the most stunning religious sites to explore in the province of Salerno. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Location
We planned a family outing to Certosa di Padula on a lovely afternoon in early June. The drive from our villa took about an hour, and we reached the monastery by car, as it is located at Viale Certosa, Padula, 84034, Salerno, and is only accessible by this means of transportation.
Inside the Certosa
The monastery features approximately 350 rooms and spans an impressive 51,500 m², with the cloisters alone covering 15,000 m², making it the largest of its kind in the world. The site is divided into two main areas: the historical working monastery and the former living quarters of the monks.
Our visit was a serene and delightful experience. We were able to explore nearly every part of the site and take our time admiring the surroundings without feeling rushed.
During our exploration, we learned about life under the Carthusian rule, which encompassed both labor and meditation. We visited the monks’ quarters and the adjacent fields where they cultivated their own crops.
The monastery boasts impressive Baroque architectural features. Visitors can admire preserved paintings in the library, museum, and the main church, along with unique local elements like ceramic tile decorations.
Following the monks’ departure in 1807 due to the French occupation of the Kingdom of Naples, the monastery has been maintained under the Province of Salerno’s supervision.
Interestingly, we discovered that it last functioned as a hospital during World War II!
How much does it cost?
Admission tickets for the Monastery and Museum are priced at €10. If you are only interested in visiting the Monastery, tickets cost €8. You can purchase tickets online in advance here or buy them on-site the day of your visit. Be sure to check the official website for the latest opening hours.
Summary
Our experience at Certosa was the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon, allowing us to relax with an ice cream or coffee on our way back to the villa.
Photos by Monica
If you’re looking for more day trip suggestions, check out our post on our Day trip to Mount Vesuvius.
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