Located in the suburb of Galluzzo in Florence, the Florence Certosa, also called Certosa del Galluzzo, is a Carthusian monastery built in the XIV century within a complex of buildings on Monte Acuto. It was funded by Niccolò Acciaioli and it’s nowadays a very beloved tourist attraction in Florence.
Let’s find out something more about the Certosa of Florence and why you should visit it!
A glimpse into history: origins of Florence Certosa
Before the Carthuasian monks became the owners of this complex of buildings in 1341, the area consisted of different houses, a vineyard and a courtyard. Once it became the property of the Carthuasian, people started referring to the mount that the complex was edified on as “the Holy Mount” and the buildings underwent some work led by Niccolò Acciaioli to extend them. Niccolò Acciaioli is the reason that this site was built since he made a generous donation in order to build the Certosa.
The Certosa consists of the Church, the Chapter House, the Refectory, the Sacristy, the small and main Cloisters and the Homes and it was designed to house 18 monks and 5 brothers.
Why did monks choose this location? The significance of Certosa’s site
The site where the Certosa, apparently designed by architect Jacopo Talenti, was edified, was chosen because its position was favorable: apart from it being on the highest point of the hill, which ensured their safety from invaders, the site was also surrounded by two streams of water coming from the Arno river. Another very important aspect of this location is that, because of the height of the hill, the monks were always living in isolation, something that is fundamental in the Carthuasian order.
The Carthusian way: a life of meditation and prayer
Established by St. Bruno of Cologne in the XI century, the Carthusian order was created because St. Bruno, a priest at the time, wanted to create a spiritual reform of the Catholic religion, promoting a life dedicated to prayer and meditation. The first Carthuasian monastery was founded in 1084 by Bruno, with the help of Hugh of Châteauneuf, the Bishop of Grenoble, near Grenoble. After moving to the Certosa in Calabria in 1101, where St. Bruno died, the Carthusian monks moved across Italy, France and other European countries and a group of them was established in Florence in 1341.
Conclusion
If a life dedicated to meditation and prayer and the city of Florence fascinates you, visiting the Certosa of Florence is definitely a great investment of your time! If you want to get to know more about the city of Florence, check out our other blogs and book your Florence tours with us!
