Cilento: Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula

NOTE: Our original upload had Nathaniel talking over himself—a cut audio part that never got cut, apparently! As of 13:20GMT we've updated the episode. If around the 9~minute mark you hear Nathaniel talking over himself, you might need to re-download the episode. Sorry for the confusion, everyone!

This week we're headed back to the Cilento to talk about two fairly "hidden" locations that should be on anyone's southern Italian tour: the Certosa di Padula and the town of Teggiano.

The Certosa—or Charterhouse—is a Carthusian monastery boasting beautiful gardens, frescoed ceilings and walls, and some of the most ornate and painstaking cut-marble floors we've ever seen. Plus, it has this absolutely wonderful spiral staircase resembling a conch, and another much more grand sweeping staircase outside. I know what you're thinking, going all the way there for some staircases and gardens? Not at all! The Certosa di Padula is also home to the world's largest cloisters.

But if we're being honest, it's so much more than that. If I had to described it, I'd say it stands as a sort of temple to "what once was". A place of silence, a place of incredible wealth and power, and a place of community. And if you're in the area, it's well worth the visit.

For more information about the Certosa, you can check out their website: https://certosadipadula.org/

And if you're looking for a guided tour, you can check out Guida Turistica's website where she offers guided tours all over the Cilento and Campania—including the Certosa!

If you're looking to book a hotel near the Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula, we recommend the hotels below

Villa Cosilinum in the medieval town of Padula Expedia | Booking

Grand Hotel Certosa just steps from the Certosa itself Expedia | Booking

Ca' del Conte - Maison de Charme in the valley of Padula Expedia | Booking

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Thanks for listening!
xDarcy and Nathaniel