Certosa di Calci

The Certosa di Calci was founded in 1366. It is 10 km from Pisa and situated in a stunning natural valley which used to be known as ‘Valle Graziosa’, the ‘Charming Valley’.

The Certosa di Calci is split into two main areas that reflect its use as a religious retreat of the Carthusian order both for solitary reflection and group activities: indivdual cells and the church. It was restructured to become how we see it today during the Baroque period and at the end of the 18th century. Many of the best 18th century artists also contributed to enriching La Certosa. Master stone workers from the Carrara region worked on the external façade and the interior which features many frescos, policrome marbling and linear works.

The three cloisters are made beautiful by their arched ceilings and evocative, silent passage ways. At the centre there is a Renaissance garden with a central fountain that leads off to the cells of the Carthusian monks. These monks were famous for the patience and care they took while working on artistic, scientific and literary artifacts.