Bologna Charterhouse
Catholic·Italy·Monumental Cemetery·14th century
The Certosa di Bologna, originally a Carthusian monastery founded in 1334, was suppressed in 1797 and transformed into Bologna's Monumental Cemetery in 1801. Praised for its transformation into an "open-air museum," it showcases a blend of religious architecture and elaborate funerary monuments, and is also notable for the discovery of an ancient Etruscan necropolis on its grounds. The site is situated on the outskirts of Bologna, near the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and at the base of Monte della Guardia.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1334 as a Carthusian monastery.
- ›Suppressed in 1797 and converted into a monumental cemetery in 1801.
- ›Features an ancient Etruscan necropolis discovered in 1869, dating from the 6th to 3rd centuries BC.
- ›The church is dedicated to Saint Jerome (San Girolamo).
- ›Later served as a significant stop on the Italian Grand Tour, attracting notable visitors.
- ›The site is located at the foot of Monte della Guardia, near the Sanctuary of the Madonna DI San Luca.
Gothic, Neoclassicism
- Church of Saint Jerome
- Paintings By Bartolomeo Cesi, Giovanni Andrea Sirani, Elisabetta Sirani, and Others
- Wooden Inlaid Choir Stalls
- Monumental Family Tombs
- Etruscan Necropolis
- Porticoed Eastern Entrance Connected To the Sanctuary of San Luca
Certosa Di San Girolamo Di Casara
Bartolomeo Cesi, Giovanni Andrea Sirani, Elisabetta Sirani, Francesco Gessi, Giovanni Maria Galli Da Bibiena, Lorenzo Pasinelli, Domenico Maria Canuti, Nunzio Rossi, William Exmew, Thomas Johnson, Richard Bere, Thomas Green, Antonio Vivarini, Bartolomeo Vivarini, Ludovico Carracci, Agostino Carracci, Guercino, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Theodor Mommsen, Stendhal, Antonio Zannoni
- Founded As A Carthusian Monastery In 1334.
- Fire Caused By Landsknechts of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, Leading To Restoration of Choir Stalls.
- Suppressed In 1797 By Napoleon.
- Became Bologna's Monumental Cemetery In 1801.
- Discovery of An Etruscan Necropolis In 1869.
- Archaeological Excavations Organized By Antonio Zannoni In the Late 19th Century.
About Bologna Charterhouse
The Bologna Charterhouse, known in Italian as the Certosa di Bologna, is a significant historical site in Bologna, northern Italy, that transitioned from a monastic institution to a prominent monumental cemetery. Founded in 1334 as a Carthusian monastery, it served its religious purpose for centuries before being suppressed in 1797.
Transformation into a Cemetery
In 1801, the former monastery was repurposed as the city's Monumental Cemetery. This transformation was met with considerable acclaim, with visitors like Lord Byron and Charles Dickens praising its unique character. The site evolved into what is described as an "open-air museum," characterized by elaborate family tombs and neoclassicism-inspired funerary architecture, particularly noted in its third cloister. The cemetery's spatial arrangement is complex, integrating original convent structures with added lodges and porticos to create a cityscape-like environment.
Archaeological Significance
Beyond its monastic and funerary history, the Bologna Charterhouse is also renowned for a significant archaeological discovery. In 1869, an Etruscan necropolis, dating from the sixth to the third centuries BC, was unearthed here. These ancient findings, uncovered during excavations organized by Antonio Zannoni for cemetery expansion, are now preserved in Bologna's Civic Archeological Museum.
The Church of San Girolamo
The monastery's church, dedicated to Saint Jerome (San Girolamo), houses notable artworks. These include "The Crucifixion" and other paintings by Bartolomeo Cesi, as well as a series of large canvases depicting episodes from the life of Christ commissioned from various artists of the Bolognese School, such as Giovanni Andrea Sirani and Elisabetta Sirani. The church also commemorates several Carthusian martyrs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Certosa di Bologna founded?
The Certosa di Bologna was founded in 1334. It was originally established as a Carthusian monastery.
What is the Certosa di Bologna used for today?
Today, the Certosa di Bologna functions as the city's Monumental Cemetery, having been established for this purpose in 1801. It is also an 'open-air museum' and a site of historical and artistic interest.
What significant archaeological discovery was made at the Certosa di Bologna?
In 1869, an Etruscan necropolis dating from the sixth to the third centuries BC was discovered on the grounds of the Certosa. These findings are now housed in the Civic Archeological Museum of Bologna.
What is the architectural significance of the Certosa di Bologna?
The site preserves elements of its original monastic architecture, which were later integrated with neoclassicism-inspired structures for the cemetery. The complex articulation of its space, with added lodges, rooms, and porticos, creates a unique urbanistic effect.
Who are some notable figures buried at the Certosa di Bologna?
The cemetery contains the tombs of many prominent individuals, including the singer Farinelli, painter Giosuè Carducci, composer Ottorino Respighi, and painter Giorgio Morandi, among others.
What is the location of the Certosa di Bologna?
The Certosa di Bologna is located just outside the walls of the city of Bologna, northern Italy. It is situated near the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and at the foot of the Monte della Guardia, close to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Related Monasteries
Naples Charterhouse
The Certosa di San Martino, also known as the Charterhouse of St. Martin, is a prominent former monastery complex situated atop the Vomero hill in Naples, Italy. Founded in 1368 and dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, it evolved significantly over centuries, particularly with expansions in the 16th century and a major transformation under architect Cosimo Fanzago in 1623, resulting in its current Baroque appearance. Today, the complex serves as the National Museum of San Martino and is a striking landmark overlooking the city and its gulf.
Certosa di Pavia
The Certosa di Pavia is a magnificent monastery complex in Lombardy, Northern Italy, renowned for its opulent architecture blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its extensive collection of artworks. Commissioned by Giangaleazzo Visconti in 1396 as a dynastic mausoleum and a testament to his political ambitions, it evolved over a century, becoming one of Italy's largest monasteries. Despite its Carthusian origins, known for austerity, the Certosa is celebrated for its rich decoration and artistic treasures.
Certosa di San Giacomo
The Certosa di San Giacomo, also known as the Charterhouse of St. James, is a former Carthusian monastery founded in 1363 by Giacomo Arcucci on the island of Capri. Originally established as a religious institution, it later underwent fortification and restoration. Today, it functions as a museum and a venue for cultural events, housing several exhibitions and a high school on its premises.