Certosa di Pesio, Carthusian monastery in Chiusa di Pesio, Italy
Certosa di Pesio is a Carthusian monastery located in a mountain valley near the Marguareis massif. The complex features a Renaissance cloister and an abbey church decorated with frescoes on its interior walls.
The monastery was founded in 1173 by the lords of Morozzo and grew into a major religious center. French forces shut it down in 1802 and seized its properties during their occupation.
The monastery served as a center for prayer and scholarly work for many centuries in the region. Monks followed strict rules and shaped the cultural life of the valley in profound ways.
The site is accessible in a mountain valley and visiting requires careful planning since the monastery sits off the beaten path. Access roads are narrow and pass through natural surroundings, so allow extra time for your visit.
A monk here reportedly gave King Louis XI a favorable prediction in 1446 that later came true. This prophecy led the king to make substantial gifts to the monastery.
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