Certosa di San Lorenzo

The Certosa di San Lorenzo near Padula was founded on 27 April 1306 by Tommaso di San Severino and dedicated to Saint Lawrence. With an area of around 51,500 m² and 320 rooms and halls, it is regarded as the largest monastery in Italy. Construction dragged on for some 450 years, which is why the Baroque style dominates. The great cloister measures about 12,000 m² and is surrounded by 84 columns; it is considered one of the largest in the world. A spiral staircase of white marble leads up to the library, which has a floor of Vietri tiles. Numerous altar frontals in scagliola have also survived. In 1998 the Certosa was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.

The complex also houses an archaeological museum with finds from the surrounding area. Allow about two hours for a walk through the courtyards and halls. The rooms stay cool even in summer, so a light jacket is a good idea.