Certosa di Padula

Founded in 1306 and built over four centuries, the Certosa di San Lorenzo covers about fifty-one thousand square metres, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, with three hundred and twenty rooms and halls. The great cloister is among the biggest in the world, enclosed by a hundred and four columns, and an elliptical double-helix staircase of stone climbs from it to the library. A story, unverifiable, says a thousand-egg omelette was made here for Charles V in 1535. Carthusian monks lived in individual cells with their own gardens. UNESCO listed it in 1998 with Paestum and Velia.

What you actually see

• The great cloister - a court enclosed by 104 columns.
• The spiral staircase - an elliptical stone double helix to the library.
• The monks' cells - individual houses with private gardens.
• The kitchens - vast service rooms including the famous omelette story.

When to go

April to October; the complex is largely unheated and cold in winter. It closes some Mondays. Allow two hours minimum for the scale.

Honest expectations

Much of the complex is bare and unfurnished after suppressions and looting. It is very large and tiring. The Vallo di Diano is remote without a car.

Nearby

The Pertosa caves lie north; Pollino park is southeast.