Kartause Erfurt

Kartause Erfurt is a Carthusian monastery located on the southern edge of the city, consisting of separate monk cells, a church building, and enclosed gardens. The structures blend monastic design with Baroque elements added over the centuries.

The monastery was founded in 1372 and quickly grew into a major religious center with around 24 cells by the late 14th century. Operations ceased in 1803 when the religious community was dissolved.

The name refers to the Carthusian order, a monastic community dedicated to solitude and silence. Walking through the grounds, you can sense how the isolated cell layout shaped the daily rhythm of those who lived here.

The remaining buildings can be viewed from the outside, with some sections restored and now serving as residential spaces. Note that not all areas are publicly accessible, and the site is best explored on foot at a leisurely pace.

The monastery library was kept in the sacristy for centuries before being moved to the University of Erfurt library in 1810, where it remains today. This collection shows how active these monks were as scholars and thinkers.

Location: Erfurt

Inception: 1372

Architectural style: Baroque

GPS coordinates: 50.96970,11.02690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09