Chartreuse de Currières, Carthusian monastery in Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, France.
The Chartreuse de Currières is a Carthusian monastery in the mountains of Saint-Laurent-du-Pont featuring individual monastic cells, communal worship spaces, and traditional monastery architecture. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard and constructed of stone, carefully integrated into the mountain landscape.
Founded in 1296, the monastery originally served as an infirmary for the nearby Grande Chartreuse motherhouse. Over centuries it maintained this medical function and was later designated as a protected historical monument.
The monastery embodies Carthusian tradition through its practice of silence and solitude, with monks devoting themselves to prayer, work, and spiritual contemplation. The austere design of the spaces and the rhythm of daily life make this way of living directly visible to visitors.
The monastery maintains restricted public access, allowing visits only to those considering joining the Carthusian order or conducting approved research projects. Hikers in the region can explore the exterior and surroundings but cannot enter the interior spaces.
The monastery sits directly beside the Grande Chartreuse and shares a long medical tradition with it: while it originally cared for sick monks, it played a vital role in healthcare for the entire order. This specialized function made it a distinct place within the Carthusian network.
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