Padula Charterhouse (Certosa di Padula)
The Basics
A little-known treasure of southern Italy, the Padula Charterhouse (also known as Certosa di Padula or Certosa di San Lorenzo) is enormous, and the best way to visit is with a guide who touches on the highlights. Admire the church done in Neapolitan baroque, featuring gilded stucco, majolica floors, and marble altars. Then, check out the kitchen with a tiled fireplace where it’s been said that a 1,000-egg omelette was prepared for Charles V’s army passing through in 1534.
Some tours of the charterhouse include a stop at the ancient Greek temples in Paestum. Tickets are also valid for entry to Padula’s civic museums.
Things to Know Before You Go
Expect to walk a lot when visiting the charterhouse.
Wear attire that covers your shoulders and knees to enter the chapel.
The complex isn’t accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Certosa di San Lorenzo is in the countryside outside the town of Padula on the Cilento Peninsula. As there’s no public transit to the complex, get there by car or on a guided tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Ideally, time your visit for a clear day with mild temperatures, as much of the site is outdoors. The charterhouse is closed on Tuesday.
The Charterhouse in Numbers
The Padula Charterhouse is huge, and its main cloister is the largest in the world. In addition to an estimated 320 rooms and halls housing 100 fireplaces, the complex has more than 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) of galleries and hallways, 550 windows, 500 doors, 300 columns, 52 stairways, 13 courtyards, and 41 fountains.