La Certosa in Florence, in Galluzzo
  1. You are here:
  2. Home
  3. Blog
  4. Categories: Around Florence

Beyond UNESCO: Florence Charterhouse

Discovering the fourteenth-century Carthusian monastery located on the Galluzzo hills.

Galluzzo, part of Florence's District 3, is a small hilltop town almost detached from the city despite being only 5 kilometres from the centre! A visit to Galluzzo is a fun journey itself, and it is one of the most delightful things to do in Florence.

Those born here feel like they are from Galluzzo rather than Florence and experience the spirit of a small suburban town. Surrounded by beautiful hills, Galluzzo can be reached by taking the panoramic Viale Michelangelo, which passes through the Piazzale and in front of the Medici Villa del Poggio Imperiale, which overlooks the “Porta Romana” entrance to the city. Then, immersed in breathtaking views, one continues until arriving in the central square of the small neighbourhood: Piazza Acciaiuoli.

It was indeed Niccolò Acciaiuoli, an important Italian politician, banker and patron of the 14th century, known for his role in the history of Florence, who founded the most spectacular symbol of Galluzzo: The Certosa di Firenze, Florence Charterhouse (or Certosa di Galluzzo).

Florence Charterhouse

The Certosa di Firenze, founded in 1341 by Niccolò Acciaioli, is located on the top of Monte Acuto, where the Ema and Greve rivers join. It is one of the most important monastic complexes in the city and one of the largest and most significant of the Carthusian order in Italy. It includes the church, the cloister, the art gallery, the sacristy, the refectory, the monks' cells, the library and other structures. The church, dedicated to San Lorenzo, is one of the masterpieces of Florentine Renaissance architecture and is decorated with works of art by artists such as Pontormo with the five lunettes depicting the Passion of Christ, Rossellino and others. Visiting this complex is one of the must-see things to do in Florence.

Subjected to notable renovations at the end of the fifteenth century (cloisters) and the sixteenth century (church and square in front), it passed from the Carthusians to the Cistercians in 1957 and, in 2017, to the Community of San Leolino, made up of lay people and priests, who are entrusted with its care and spiritual and cultural promotion.

Today, it is possible to visit the complex, admire its works of art and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of one of the most interesting places to see in Florence.

The interior of the Certosa is accessible through guided tours lasting approximately one hour from Tuesday to Saturday at 10.00, 11.00, 15.00, 16.00, and 17.00, Sundays at 15.00, 16.00, and 17.00, and closed on Mondays (except Monday holidays). Booking is unnecessary for individuals, couples, and families—it will be sufficient to show up a few minutes before the visit.

Slow itinerary in Galluzzo

It is possible to take a beautiful hike in an alternative and sustainable way to discover this territory of two rivers and three important and historic road axes: The Vie Senese and Cassia (for Siena and, therefore, for Rome) and the Via Volterrana (for Volterra)

Find out all the details!

How to reach Galluzzo

This neighbourhood can be reached by buses 36 or 37 from the centre of Florence or by taking the A1 Firenze-Impruneta highway exit. Galluzzo is one of the off-the-beaten-path things to do in Florence, and it is well worth the small additional effort to reach this unique destination.