ABBEY OF CERTOSA DI GALLUZZO

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Espetially in a sunny day the Certosa di Galluzzo is worth a visit.

The Certosa di Galluzzo seen from the outside seems more like a castle than an abbey.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

The construction was started in year 1342 by Niccolò Acciaioli with the intent to introduce the poor florentine people to the religios studies. After the death of Acciaioli the works stoped and the construction was ended in year 1400.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy 

In year 1866 it becomes property of the Italian government and from year 1958 it returns to a place of faith with the Cisternian monks who took over the Carthusians.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Nowdays the monks accompany te visitors during the visit of the abbey. The tour is very very intresting with and the monk guide shows you everything about this faith place. At the end you must  give them a small offer and ther's also a shop where you can buy honey and liquer made from the monks.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Facade of St. Lorenzo church - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florenze, Italy

The church of San Lorenzo was built in year 1545 and has a Renaissance facade. There are three chapels in the monastery, the St. Tobias, the St. Andrew and the St. Mary.

Altar of S. Lorenzo church - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

The Great Cloister is very spatious, has a typical old stone at its center, and lead to the monks cells. Each cell is separated from te other and was used by a single monk and they could take advantage of a small garden for their comtemplation. This because the Cistercian monks are dedicates to silence except of one hour a week in the interview room.

The Great Cloister - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

How to reach the Certosa: From Florence: By car go in direction of Porta Romana, than via Senese and after the small town of Galluzzo on your right side ther's the Certosa. By bus take number 37 from the Santa Maria train station and stop to the Certosa bus stop (buy tickes before you jump on the bus).

From the A1 highway exit to Firenze Certosa and follow the indications.

For more info about the abbey and the guidet tours (only in italian) please check the Certosa di Galluzzo website.