Chartreuse de la Verne, Carthusian monastery in Collobrières, France
Chartreuse de la Verne is a Carthusian monastery nestled in a forest setting within the Massif des Maures mountains, built from local serpentine stone and volcanic marble. The structure features multiple courtyards, a chapel, monks' cells, and various rooms for communal functions arranged throughout the complex.
Founded in 1170 on the site of an earlier sanctuary, the monastery was formally consecrated shortly thereafter. The Carthusian tradition of seeking silence and simplicity shaped monastic life here across the centuries.
The sisters of Bethlehem have shaped the monastery's spiritual life since settling here in recent decades through their daily activities and prayers. Their presence continues a centuries-old tradition of monastic living within these walls.
The monastery can be visited during daylight hours, though some days may have limited access, so checking in advance helps avoid disappointment. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the approach winds through forest and the terrain is uneven.
The monastery features two courtyards of different sizes, with the smaller one displaying unfinished Renaissance arcades that connect key spaces. These architectural details reveal how thoughtfully monks organized their daily life and which activities they considered most important to support.
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