UK Toll Free: 0 800 047 0248
International: +41 91 220 0567
Italy: +39 089 842 6126
Email: info@summerinitaly.com
|
|
USA & Canada Toll Free: 1 800 509 8194 UK Toll Free: 0 800 047 0248 International: +41 91 220 0567 Italy: +39 089 842 6126 Email: info@summerinitaly.com |
 |
 PadulaIn Campania, nearby the ancient Pleistocene lake that used to be Vallo di Diano, lies Padula: charming village, part of that South of Italy that was one of the most powerful feud of the Kingdom of Naples. Here, the steep mountains of Cilento separate the area from the sea. The ancient Padula, situated in a higher and southern area compared to the current one, is called Civita and proves the atavism of this peace of land, populated since the XII century BC. Padula is now popular to house the Chartusian monastery of St Lorenzo: outstanding monument built in 1306, characterized by a refined and articulated architectural style. The toponym Padula derives from the latin "palus, paludis" - marsh – as it used to be a marshy place ages ago. The situation has changed and Padula is now a lovely village characterized by uncontaminated luxuriant vegetation, shaping the mountains' profile. An extremely fertile area that benefits particular cultivations and makes it a landmark for relaxing traditional stays. Birthplace of Joe Petrosino (the historic policeman, symbol and myth of the fight against the Italo-American Mafia), Padula homes an important permanent museum in his honour, set into his own house. This mysterious village will hypnotize you with the beauty of its churches, like the Church of St Michele: a rock sanctuary that preserves some extraordinarily interesting parchments. Padula was "castrum" of huge religious fervour during the Byzantine Age at the end of the IX century and the cult of St Michele grew more and more among the citizens of the ancient Civita. The Saint is still celebrated every third Sunday of June. In the ancient building, probably built by a local, you'll admire some notable XIV century frescoes; a statue representing St Michele beside the altar; behind the altar you'll see a pictorial cycle with some scenes of St Giacomo of Compostela, dated back to the XIV century. Something not to be missed... Besides the early Christian Baptistery of St Giovanni in Fonte, dating back to the IV century AC, there are: Trichora of St Nicola de Domnis (VII century); the ruins of St Nicola al Torone and the Convent of St Francesco, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Lucania Occidentale.
You might also be interested in reading about the following Padula topics:
Other towns in the area: Palinuro, Teggiano, Acciaroli, Agropoli, Castellabate, Marina di Camerota, Ogliastro Marina, Santa Maria di Castellabate, Valva, San Marco di Castellabate, Agnone Cilento, Ascea, Ascea Marina, Buccino, Casal Velino Marina, Castelcivita, Laureana Cilento, Perdifumo, Pertosa, Pisciotta, Pollica, San Mango Cilento, San Mauro Cilento, Polla |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home | Travel Guide | Travel Tips | Contact Us
All kind of questions and suggestions are welcome: info@summerinitaly.com. Copyright © 2001-2010 Summer In Italy. All rights reserved. |
