Padula

Padula is a comune and town in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is located inland in the Cilento area, set among hills and agricultural land. The municipality includes the historic center along with several rural frazioni. Padula’s traditional economy centers on agriculture, with growing contributions from tourism tied to its cultural and historic assets.

The town’s principal landmark is the Certosa di Padula, also known as the Certosa di San Lorenzo, a Carthusian monastery founded in the 14th century. The complex was enlarged and embellished during the 16th to 18th centuries and stands as one of the most important monastic sites in southern Italy. It comprises a large church, extensive cloisters, and other monastic buildings, as well as a notable library housing historical manuscripts and volumes. The Certosa attracts visitors and scholars for its architectural, artistic, and historical significance, representing Carthusian monastic traditions.

Beyond the monastery, Padula preserves a number of churches, palazzi, and traditional quarters that reflect its medieval and Baroque heritage. The town is connected by regional roads to nearby municipalities, and visitors often combine a stay in Padula with excursions to the Cilento coast and the broader Cilento and Vallo di Diano area, known for its cultural and natural attractions.