Certosa di Valmanera

Certosa di Valmanera is a former Carthusian monastery in Asti with multiple buildings arranged around a rectangular cloister that creates distinct functional areas. Today the complex houses a museum and tapestry center that makes use of the historic spaces.

The monastery was founded in 1387 and came under Carthusian administration in 1391 through a bequest from Bartolomeo Garetti. It remained active as a religious center until its closure in 1801.

The church dedicated to Saints Philip and James displays Gothic features that become visible as you enter. The interior spaces feel removed from time, with high ceilings and ribbed vaults that draw your gaze upward.

The site sits in Borgata San Pietro within the Certosa park on Asti's northwest edge and is easy to explore on foot. The complex has multiple entrances, so it pays to walk through slowly to discover all the areas.

The site houses the Arazzeria Scassa, a tapestry workshop that recreates historical designs using traditional handcraft techniques. This studio shows how the old monastery rooms remain actively used for art production today.

Location: Asti

Founders: John Gualbert

GPS coordinates: 44.91355,8.20976

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40