Certosa di San Lorenzo
Established in 1306, this monastery was enlarged over the centuries, reaching the height of its fame during the Renaissance, when it was one of the richest monasteries in Italy. The huge complex of buildings and courtyards covers an area of 51,500 sq. m (554,341 sq. ft.) and boasts 320 halls, 52 staircases, 100 fireplaces, 13 courtyards, and 41 fountains. Abandoned in 1866, the Certosa was only recently reopened to the public after extensive restorations, including repair after the earthquake of 1980. It is now the setting for important cultural events and international exhibits, not the least of which is the Ravello Music Festival, which schedules a number of concerts on the grounds every year.
Many of the original medieval structures were redecorated in baroque style, making it one of the most important baroque works of art in Italy. The first cloister, near the entrance to the monastery, dates from 1561 and is graced by an elegant portico and fountain. The richly decorated church boasts two magnificent wooden choirs inlaid with intarsia artwork; one, created for the monks, dates from 1503, while the other, designed by Giovanni del Gallo in 1507, was meant for the lay brothers. Near the church is the original cemetery from 1552, now a cloister. The later, larger cemetery is in the splendid 17th-century main cloister. Along the two levels of porticos decorated with beautiful carvings are the monks' secluded "cells" -- miniapartments of three to four rooms with private porticos, small gardens, and even a workshop/studio for some. Note the small opening for delivering food and the aperture that allowed in light, both by the entrance to the cell. You can climb to the upper floor via a beautiful staircase in an octagonal tower, where you'll see the Monk's Promenade around the cloister and the Apartments of the Prior .
The library and reception halls of the monastery house an archaeological museum, which holds a collection of ancient artifacts from the nearby necropolis.
Established in 1306, this monastery was enlarged over the centuries, reaching the height of its fame during the Renaissance, when it was one of the richest monasteries in Italy. The huge complex of buildings and courtyards covers an area of 51,500 sq. m (554,341 sq. ft.) and boasts 320 halls, 52 staircases, 100 fireplaces, 13 courtyards, and 41 fountains. Abandoned in 1866, the Certosa was only recently reopened to the public after extensive restorations, including repair after the earthquake of 1980. It is now the setting for important cultural events and international exhibits, not the least of which is the Ravello Music Festival, which schedules a number of concerts on the grounds every year.
Many of the original medieval structures were redecorated in baroque style, making it one of the most important baroque works of art in Italy. The first cloister, near the entrance to the monastery, dates from 1561 and is graced by an elegant portico and fountain. The richly decorated church boasts two magnificent wooden choirs inlaid with intarsia artwork; one, created for the monks, dates from 1503, while the other, designed by Giovanni del Gallo in 1507, was meant for the lay brothers. Near the church is the original cemetery from 1552, now a cloister. The later, larger cemetery is in the splendid 17th-century main cloister. Along the two levels of porticos decorated with beautiful carvings are the monks' secluded "cells" -- miniapartments of three to four rooms with private porticos, small gardens, and even a workshop/studio for some. Note the small opening for delivering food and the aperture that allowed in light, both by the entrance to the cell. You can climb to the upper floor via a beautiful staircase in an octagonal tower, where you'll see the Monk's Promenade around the cloister and the Apartments of the Prior .
The library and reception halls of the monastery house an archaeological museum, which holds a collection of ancient artifacts from the nearby necropolis.
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