If you have found a vacation rental in Pisa and are planning a trip in the area, you'll likely be looking into what there is to see and do in and around Pisa. While the pretty and historic city itself has its famous Leaning Tower (in a complex of other fascinating religious buildings), cute little streets lined with restaurants and shops, some great museums, and much more besides, the surrounding landscape is also beautiful and full of gems and well worth exploring. For example, just ten kilometres from town you will find the little town of Calci, located on the foothills of the Monte Pisano hillside, which is home to the breathtaking Calci Charterhouse.
The Charterhouse of Pisa (or Certosa di Pisa), more often referred to as the Calci Charterhouse in English, is a stunning architectural complex that is a former Carthusian monastery, or charterhouse, and is home to two different museums today: National Museum of the Monumental Charterhouse of Calci and the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa. If you're fond of frescoes, architectural prowess, dinosaurs, pretty gardens, and more, this is somewhere to see all of the above under (and adjacent to) one roof.
The Charterhouse of Pisa (or Certosa di Pisa), more often referred to as the Calci Charterhouse in English, is a stunning architectural complex that is a former Carthusian monastery, or charterhouse, and is home to two different museums today: National Museum of the Monumental Charterhouse of Calci and the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa. If you're fond of frescoes, architectural prowess, dinosaurs, pretty gardens, and more, this is somewhere to see all of the above under (and adjacent to) one roof.
Founded and begun in 1366 for a group of Carthusian monks, the Calci Charterhouse was originally designed to house 15 monks and the 60 lay brothers who were necessary to serve them and keep the monastery running. Over time, however, the property was greatly expanded and altered to become the sprawling architectural complex and stunning architectural gem that one finds there today. The current appearance largely reflects the expansions made in the 17th and 18th centuries and has taken on a rather marvellous Baroque aesthetic that is most fully realised in the ornate church that was built into the main body of the complex. Inside the complex, in addition to the pretty jewellery box that is the church, visitors will discover all sorts of beauties: the 1597 fresco of the Last Supper, by Bernardino Poccetti in the refectory; the fountains and sculptures on the grounds; the elegant cloisters cut across by lines of shadow; the painted optical illusions on the walls and floors; the elaborate period furniture and fittings; the impressive staircases and facades; and much more besides.
The Calci Charterhouse became a museum after the last of the remaining monks moved out of the complex in 1972 and it was decided to preserve the incredible structure, instead, as a museum dedicated to the historic use of the property, the Carthusian monks, and the great cultural, historical and artistic value of the building. Then, in 1979, it was further decided that the western wing of the Calci Charterhouse would be offered up to the permanent and free use of the University of Pisa and became home to their incredible Natural History Museum, which has been much improved, enlarged, and enriched since finding its new home. If visiting the former, we highly recommend opting for a guided tour as this is the best way to explore a large amount of the complex while someone explains and makes sense of all that you are seeing; explaining the life and world of the Carthusian monk, discussing the architecture and frescoes and other aesthetic details of the buildings, telling stories and anecdotes of former residents, and more. If you have more time to spend in the area then you could really get lost in the incredible wealth of exceptional holdings of the excellent Natural History Museum. A wonderful and impressive museum to any visitors, it is likely to particularly impress children with its giant dinosaur and whale skeletons that are on display. To read more about this gem, check out our previous article on it here.
So, if you are planning on finding a vacation rental in Pisa and spending time in this part of Tuscany, be sure to set aside some time to explore the astounding Calci Charterhouse!
So, if you are planning on finding a vacation rental in Pisa and spending time in this part of Tuscany, be sure to set aside some time to explore the astounding Calci Charterhouse!
