The Certosa of Montebenedetto

Traces of the past

Traveling along the access road to the Orsiera Rocciavrè Natural Park from the Municipality of Villar Focchiardo, after a few kilometers, you come across an imposing building set in a frame of meadows and woods.

It is the Montebenedetto Charterhouse which, thanks to its history, can certainly be counted among the most important monuments of the Susa Valley and a remarkable prestige for the Park that includes it within its boundaries.

1. Historical notes
2. The architecture of the Charterhouses
3. Architectural description of the Montebenedetto Charterhouse

Currently, the Montebenedetto Charterhouse consists of the described buildings and about ninety hectares of pasture and woodland.
During the summer months, it is used by the mountain dairyman for the management of the agricultural company and by the Park Authority for the promotion of tourist and cultural events.

The Park Authority has also set up a permanent exhibition in the church that illustrates the Carthusian world and the history of the charterhouse, while in the immediate vicinity, a "self-guided" path has been created with the description of the various buildings that surrounded the church, of which, as already mentioned, only a few traces remain.

Download the brochure of the Charterhouse

For information:

Protected areas management body of the Cottian Alps
Bussoleno offices - tel. 011.4321015 - email: info.alpicozie@ruparpiemonte.it

Bibliography

Carthusians in the Susa Valley: monastic and economic structures from Losa to Avigliana, 12th - 17th century (thesis by Federica TURCO and Michela FAVRO);
Guide to the Montebenedetto Charterhouse and the Orsiera Rocciavrè Park (information taken from the articles by: Mariamaddalena NEGRO PONZI, Silvio CHIABERTO, Laura MORO).

Opening hours:

The structure is open during the summer period from June 1st to October 31st

Information and reservations:

Farm GIOVALE Manuel, at Montebenedetto pasture

Ms. Rachele 320.3558215 (preferably contact via WhatsApp)

From Certosa to Certosa

A European journey with an international perspective rich in historical, artistic, and tourist insights to engage places, religious, enthusiasts, researchers, and simple visitors.

The research, curated and proposed by Arch. Daniela Delleani, presents 10 sections containing a description of the Charterhouses and the indication of telephone contacts, email and/or website to expand contents, see photographs, and know the bibliography.

Go to the introduction.

Enjoy the reading and have a great journey!

• The Charterhouses of Pesio and Casotto
• Abbaye de Boscodon
• Grande Chartreuse and Farneta
• Charterhouse Serra San Bruno and Padula
• Charterhouses Valsainte and Part-Dieu
• Abbaye de Lérins
• Monastery Pra'd Mill
• Abbey of Staffarda
• Cistercian Abbeys in Italy
• Cistercian Abbeys in France
• International Charterhouses