Certosa di Pavia

The Certosa di Pavia is a monastery about 9km north of Pavia. It is one of the largest monasteries in Italy. Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the Duke of Milano, was the founding patron of the monastery in 1396, as he wanted a decent family mausoleum - and Carthusians around it. The facade seen here, was completed in 1549.

The Carthusians lived here until 1782, when they were expelled by Joseph II of Austria. Later Cistercians and Carmelites lived here, but i In 1810 the monastery was closed. In 1866 it was declared a National Monument and sequestrated by the Italian State.

Since 1968 the Cistercians are back.

When I reached the Certosa - it was just about to close for noontime and unfortunately I could not stay..