Cilento , Paestum  and  Padula

Latest update: 4 August 2023
The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the archaeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. 

It numbers a total of four different sites in the Salerno Province of the southern Italian region of Campania. They celebrate the Cilento region's cultural landscape and its historical evolution. 
Related links
The Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park is a protected area located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, this park is known for its outstanding natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage.

It covers a vast area that includes the coastal Cilento region and the inland Vallo di Diano, encompassing picturesque landscapes, ancient villages, and pristine forests.
​
History and Tourist Information:

  • Natural Beauty: The park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea to rolling hills, valleys, and mountainous areas.
  • Archaeological Sites: The park is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Greek ruins of Paestum and Velia.

Archaeological Sites of Paestum and Velia:

  • Paestum: The ancient city of Paestum was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Doric temples, such as the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Neptune. The site also includes ancient city walls, a forum, and Roman-era buildings.
  • Velia: Velia, also known as Elea, was an ancient Greek colony founded by philosophers Parmenides and Zeno in the 6th century BC. The site includes the remains of the ancient city, including an acropolis, agora, and well-preserved city walls.

Certosa di Padula:

​The Certosa di Padula, or the Certosa of San Lorenzo, is a magnificent Carthusian monastery located near the town of Padula in the province of Salerno, Campania.

It was founded in 1306 and expanded over the centuries to become one of the largest monasteries in Europe. The Certosa is renowned for its impressive architecture, beautiful cloisters, and richly decorated interiors.

History and Tourist Information:

  • Architectural Marvel: The Certosa di Padula features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Its grand façade, elaborate courtyards, and ornate chapels leave visitors in awe.
  • Library and Museum: The monastery houses a rich library with valuable manuscripts and a museum that displays religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
  • Gardens and Cloisters: The Certosa's gardens and cloisters are beautifully landscaped and provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering insight into the monastic life and the history of the Certosa.
  • Accessibility: The site is accessible to visitors, and there are facilities for tourists, including a gift shop and a café.
Province: Salerno​

Region: Campania

Number of sites: 4

Site types: Archaeological Sites, National Park, Religious Building

By air: Naples International Airport
​UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archaeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula

​Year: 1998

Paestum

Picture
Paestum

Certosa  di  Padula

Picture
Certosa di Padula

Cilento  &  Vallo  di  Diano  National  Park

Picture
Cilento Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park

Torre  di  Velia

Picture
Torre di Velia

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the three thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy, particularly important at the moment at the time of the pandemic, via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.