Certosa di San Lorenzo
The largest Carthusian monastery in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with monumental cloisters and the Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania.
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About the museum
The Certosa di San Lorenzo, also known as the Certosa di Padula, was founded by Tommaso II Sanseverino: work began on 28 January 1306, and the foundation was confirmed by King Charles II on 17 April of the same year. The complex, which covers about 51,500 square metres, is considered the largest Carthusian monastery in Italy and one of the richest examples of Baroque architecture in southern Italy.
The Chiostro Grande, begun in 1583, measures about 104 by 150 metres and has 84 pillars and 26 monks' cells. The church of San Lorenzo preserves a wooden portal from 1374 and frescoes from 1686. In 1807, during the French decade, the Carthusian order was suppressed and the monks were expelled; the complex was later used as a barracks, and many works of art were removed or transferred to Naples. In 1882 the Certosa was declared a national monument.
Since 1957 part of the complex has housed the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania, with finds from the necropolises of Sala Consilina and Padula, from prehistory to the Hellenistic age. Since 1998 the Certosa has been part of the UNESCO site of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, together with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia.
Highlights
- Chiostro Grande with 84 pillars and 26 cells
- Church of San Lorenzo with wooden portal from 1374
- Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania
- UNESCO site since 1998
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo archeologico provinciale della Lucania occidentale – Finds from the necropolises of Sala Consilina and Padula, from prehistory to the Hellenistic age, housed in part of the complex since 1957.
- Chiostri e ambienti del monastero – Route through the Chiostro Grande, the church of San Lorenzo and the rooms of former Carthusian life.
- Founded
- 1306
- Operated by
- Ministero della Cultura – Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Campania
- Visitors per year
- approx. 91,119
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2citizens of the European Union aged 18 to 24 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Combined ticket “Certosa e Padula” | –Valid for 48 hours; also includes the civic museums and the Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte (in force from 1 June 2026). |
Free admission also for the other categories provided for by DM 507/1997; for the full list of concessions the website refers to the Ministry of Culture. Optional booking via info@padula.eu.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site refers to the accessibility statement of the Ministry of Culture; no details of the routes are given.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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