Padula
Latest page update: 2 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The hill town of Padula is situated within the Province of Salerno, a distance of 161 kilometres south east of Naples, the regional capital of Campania. Standing at an elevation of 699 metres above sea level it has a population of around 5,000 residents.
Nearby places of interest include the Certosa di San Lorenzo and the archaeological site of Paestum. |
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Padula is a town in the Campania region of southern Italy, located in the Vallo di Diano, a valley surrounded by mountains. It has medieval origins and developed as a religious and cultural center. The town is known for the Certosa di San Lorenzo, one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in Europe, founded in 1306. The monastery has a large cloister, frescoed chapels, a library, and an ornate Baroque staircase.
The historic center has stone buildings, narrow alleys, and churches such as the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Padula is also home to the House of Joe Petrosino, a museum dedicated to an early 20th-century Italian-American detective who fought organized crime.
Nearby, the Pertosa Caves have underground tunnels and a river. The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park has hiking trails, archaeological sites, and historic villages. The ancient Greek city of Paestum, with well-preserved temples, is a short drive away.
The historic center has stone buildings, narrow alleys, and churches such as the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Padula is also home to the House of Joe Petrosino, a museum dedicated to an early 20th-century Italian-American detective who fought organized crime.
Nearby, the Pertosa Caves have underground tunnels and a river. The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park has hiking trails, archaeological sites, and historic villages. The ancient Greek city of Paestum, with well-preserved temples, is a short drive away.
Comune di Padula
Province: Salerno
Region: Campania Population: 4,805 (2024 - source) Size: 66 km² Elevation: 699 metres Highlights: Certosa di Padula, Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte Close by: Paestum, Cilento Coast, Agropoli, Palinuro, Sapri Recommended accommodation: Villa Cosilinum |
What are the best accommodation options for Padula?
- Grand Hotel Certosa: Located in Padula, this 4-star hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa center, and an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Hotel Villa Cosilinum: Situated in Padula, this hotel features comfortable accommodations with a garden, free private parking, and a shared lounge.
- Ca' Del Conte: Located in Padula, this bed and breakfast offers mountain views, a garden, barbecue facilities, and a shared lounge.
- Agriturismo Dipinto Dal Sole: Situated in Padula, this agriturismo provides accommodations with a garden and shared lounge, offering mountain and garden views.
- Da zia Giò: Located in Padula, this property offers garden views, a garden, and a terrace, with free private parking and free Wi-Fi.
What's the best way to reach Padula?
Padula, located in the Campania region of southern Italy, is easily accessible by several transportation methods. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino), about a 1.5-hour drive from Padula. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi, traveling via the A3 highway and then following local roads to Padula.
The town is also well-connected by rail, with the Padula train station offering services to and from Salerno and Naples. The train ride from Naples to Padula typically takes around 2 hours. Local buses are available from nearby towns such as Salerno, offering affordable connections to Padula. The town is also accessible by car from the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway (A3), making it easy to reach from various parts of Campania.
The town is also well-connected by rail, with the Padula train station offering services to and from Salerno and Naples. The train ride from Naples to Padula typically takes around 2 hours. Local buses are available from nearby towns such as Salerno, offering affordable connections to Padula. The town is also accessible by car from the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway (A3), making it easy to reach from various parts of Campania.
Where are the best places to eat in Padula and the local area?
- Fattoria Alvaneta: Located in Padula, this restaurant offers Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its great food, hospitality, and beautiful atmosphere.
- Trattoria degli Ulivi: Situated in Padula, this eatery serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes, praised for excellent meals, respectful service, and a convivial atmosphere.
- La Locanda dei Trecento: Found in Padula, this restaurant offers Italian, pizza, and seafood options, with a fantastic dining experience and a breathtaking view.
- Agriturismo Aia Antica: Located in Padula, this agriturismo provides a welcoming and peaceful environment with genuine and refined dishes, surrounded by greenery.
- Il Certosino Ristorante Pizzeria: Situated near the Certosa di Padula, this restaurant offers Italian cuisine and pizza, making it a convenient choice for visitors to the monastery.