Florence - Galluzzo Carthusian Monastery Certosa del Galluzzo
The former Carthusian monastery of Galluzzo is equally famed for its architecture and its works of art. It is reached by taking the Siena road from Florence, then turning right at the end of Galluzzo following the signs to the monastery. The last Carthusian left in 1956 when the monastery passed to the Cistercians. The Benedictine monks who have the monastery today will gladly take visitors round - the tour is usually in Italian - for a voluntary contribution.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Niccolò Acciaiuoli, an important Florentine statesman and a friend of Petrarch and Boccaccio, had the monastery built in 1341 for the Carthusians, an anchorite order founded by St Bruno of Cologne. It contained blocks of individual cells for the monks and common areas for prayers and services. In the centuries that followed it was much extended and rebuilt. This hilltop monastery complex still bears the imprint of the Carthusian way, which trod an austere path between monastic community and the life of the hermit.
In earlier days the monastery was richly endowed with art treasures, but Napoleon robbed the order of about 500 works of art and only a few were ever returned.
In the late 18th and early 19th century Popes Pius VI and Pius VII spent long periods in the Foresteria, the monastery's guest-house.
In earlier days the monastery was richly endowed with art treasures, but Napoleon robbed the order of about 500 works of art and only a few were ever returned.
In the late 18th and early 19th century Popes Pius VI and Pius VII spent long periods in the Foresteria, the monastery's guest-house.
Things to See
Church of San Lorenzo
The church of San Lorenzo, which is worth seeing, is reached by crossing a large square. The Cappella di San Tobia (left of the high altar) contains the tomb of Niccolò Acciaiuoli and the tombstones of three other members of the Acciaiuoli family (including that of Lorenzo di Niccolò).
In the Cappella di Sant'Andrea is the famous tomb of Cardinal Agnolo II Acciaiuoli, formerly ascribed to Donatello but now thought to be by Francesco da Sangallo. The other chapels also contain valuable fitments.
In the Cappella di Sant'Andrea is the famous tomb of Cardinal Agnolo II Acciaiuoli, formerly ascribed to Donatello but now thought to be by Francesco da Sangallo. The other chapels also contain valuable fitments.
Monastery Buildings
The tour of the Carthusian monastery carries on through the monastery buildings which include a parlatory, a "Medium" cloister, the chapter house, the "Great" cloister (1498-1516), the refectory, and the "Small" cloister. Unlike other orders, the monastery buildings were not where the monks lived - their cells were in separate blocks - but where they assembled for communal activities. It is possible to visit one of these cell blocks, consisting of three rooms, a loggia and a little garden.
Two rooms of the art gallery show examples of the once immense collection of art treasures, including four lunette frescoes of Christ's Passion by Pontormo (based on drawings by Dürer) and a "Madonna and Child" by Lucas Cranach.
At the end of the tour there is a chance to visit the old pharmacy where the monastery's souvenirs, etc. are on sale.
Two rooms of the art gallery show examples of the once immense collection of art treasures, including four lunette frescoes of Christ's Passion by Pontormo (based on drawings by Dürer) and a "Madonna and Child" by Lucas Cranach.
At the end of the tour there is a chance to visit the old pharmacy where the monastery's souvenirs, etc. are on sale.
Hours
January 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | |
| Open | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
