Padula
Discover Padula, the city of the Certosa
Welcome to the city of Padula! Located in the southeast of the province of Salerno, this town is home to approximately 4908 inhabitants and is famous for its beautiful Certosa. We invite you to discover more about the history and physical geography of the place.
Physical geography
Padula is located within the Vallo di Diano, on two hills at 699 meters, near the border with Sassano. The Tanagro river flows, crossing the Vallo di Diano from south to north. In terms of seismicity, Padula is considered zone 1 (high seismicity).
Origins of the name
The name Padula derives from the Latin word "paludem", meaning swamp, which can still be found in the Italian language as "padule". In the past, the area below the current historic center of the city was a swamp. This explains the reason for the city's name.
History
From Antiquity to the Middle Ages
Padula has a very ancient history dating back to the 12th century BC. The city was founded by the Enotri and called "Cosilinum". In the 6th century BC, the first human settlements were brought to the area of current Padula, as shown by the findings of beautiful burial tombs in the locality of Valle Pupina. During the Roman period, the city did not have an easy life due to its unfortunate political choices, but it managed to recover with the impulse of the connection to the Southern Italian Road Network.
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, Padula expanded greatly, also building downstream. The monastery of San Nicola was built, which became the political and economic center of the city. In addition, the cult of Saint Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Padula, spread, becoming very important in the lives of citizens. At the end of the tenth century, Padula was completely uninhabited due to the invasion of the Saracens, who destroyed the city.
From the Renaissance to today
After difficult centuries, Padula began to rise again thanks to the arrival of several noble families who gave new impetus to the city. The construction of the Certosa and the foundation of the Nuovo Casale were also important, which made many job opportunities available to citizens. Today Padula is a city where history, art, and nature coexist and is also famous for its food and wine traditions and its suggestive landscape.
The beauty of the Certosa
The Certosa of Padula is certainly one of the most important tourist attractions of the place. This magnificent monastic complex was built in 1306 and is one of the largest in the world. It is famous for its magnificent gardens, called Gardens of the Sun, where many species of plants and flowers, fountains, and lakes can be admired. In addition, the Certosa houses a beautiful art gallery, many decorated rooms, and a large library containing approximately 12,000 volumes dating back from the fifteenth century onwards.
What to see in Padula
In addition to the Certosa, there are many other places to visit in Padula. For example, the paleochristian Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, the church of Sant'Arcangelo Michele, and the Abbey of San Nicola al Torone. In addition, numerous cultural and gastronomic events and manifestations take place in the city. Do not miss the opportunity to live a unique and unforgettable experience!
Conclusions
Padula is a city that has much to offer to those who visit it. Its ancient history and cultural heritage are present everywhere, making it one of the most enchanting places in Campania. The Certosa is certainly a jewel not to be missed, but the entire surrounding territory offers moments of great beauty. We are sure that you will fall in love with this city!
