Koenigshoffen Charterhouse
The Koenigshoffen Charterhouse, originally founded in 1335 near Strasbourg, was destroyed in 1591. Its community found refuge in Molsheim and began building a new monastery in 1626, integrating it into the urban fabric. This new charterhouse became a significant religious and cultural center known for its stained glass, library, and medicinal products, active until the French Revolution when it was secularized and partially demolished. Today, the remaining structures house the Musée de la Chartreuse.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1335 as the Koenigshoffen Charterhouse, later re-established in Molsheim in 1626.
- ›Notably integrated into the urban territory of Molsheim, a rare characteristic for Carthusian monasteries.
- ›Renowned for its high-quality stained glass windows and a rich library, which once housed the famous Hortus deliciarum.
- ›The monks produced and sold medicinal 'balls' for various ailments and a 'medicinal wine'.
- ›Closed during the French Revolution, its properties were sold, and buildings were divided, redeveloped, or demolished.
- ›The former prior's house now serves as the Musée de la Chartreuse, established in 1985.
MuséE De La Chartreuse, Stained Glass Windows, Library, Hortus Deliciarum
Chartreuse De Molsheim
Herrad of Landsberg, Otto Brunfels
Destruction of Koenigshoffen Charterhouse, Re-Establishment and Construction In Molsheim, French Revolution, Establishment of MuséE De La Chartreuse
About Koenigshoffen Charterhouse
Koenigshoffen Charterhouse (Molsheim)
The Molsheim Charterhouse, originally known as the Koenigshoffen Charterhouse, represents a significant chapter in the history of the Carthusian order in Alsace. The original monastery, founded in 1335 in Koenigshoffen (now a suburb of Strasbourg), met a violent end in 1591 when it was destroyed by order of King Henry IV of France. Following this destruction, the displaced Carthusian community sought refuge, eventually settling in Molsheim.
Establishment and Urban Integration
In 1626, the community began the ambitious project of building a new monastery in Molsheim. A distinctive feature of this new foundation was its integration into the urban territory, a rare arrangement for Carthusian houses, which typically sought seclusion. This integration led to unique spatial configurations within the monastery complex. The Molsheim Charterhouse quickly rose to prominence as the town's primary religious building throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
Cultural and Economic Significance
The charterhouse was renowned for several key contributions. Its stained glass windows, adorning the cloister of the fathers, were highly regarded for their quality. The monastery also housed a rich library, most notably preserving the celebrated codex Hortus deliciarum (Garden of Delights) for several decades. Beyond its intellectual and artistic contributions, the monks were also known for their practical skills, producing and selling medicinal "balls" and a "medicinal wine," which were sold to the local populace for their perceived health benefits.
Decline and Preservation
The charterhouse's active monastic life concluded with the French Revolution. The monastery was closed, its assets declared national property, and the buildings were divided, partially demolished, and even had an urban roadway constructed through them. For nearly two centuries, the remaining parts of the monastery were subject to various alterations, demolitions, and redevelopments as ownership changed. Much of the monastery's furniture and artistic treasures, including the stained glass and the Hortus deliciarum, were dispersed or destroyed over time, particularly during conflicts like the siege of Strasbourg in 1870 and the Second World War.
Modern Legacy
A renewed appreciation for the heritage value of the remaining structures emerged in 1981. The municipality began acquiring parts of the building, and volunteers initiated restoration efforts. In 1985, the former prior's house was repurposed to house the historical museum of Molsheim, now known as the Musée de la Chartreuse. The former monastery kitchens later became an exhibition space for the Bugatti Foundation. The building complex has been recognized for its historical significance, being classified as a historical monument since December 23, 1998.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original Koenigshoffen Charterhouse?
The original Koenigshoffen Charterhouse, also known as 'Mont-Sainte-Marie', was founded in 1335 on the banks of the Bruche river by three monks. It was a spiritually fruitful monastery that eventually housed 18 cells and supported other charterhouses.
Why was the Koenigshoffen Charterhouse destroyed?
The Koenigshoffen Charterhouse was destroyed in 1591 under King Henry IV, who offered it to the city of Strasbourg as repayment for a loan. The Strasbourg Senate ordered its dismantling, and the population salvaged the materials, leaving nothing behind.
How did the charterhouse come to be in Molsheim?
Following the destruction of Koenigshoffen, the Carthusian community took refuge with the Jesuits in Molsheim. In 1626, they decided to re-establish themselves and began building a new monastery integrated into the town.
What was the Molsheim Charterhouse known for?
The Molsheim Charterhouse was known for the quality of its stained glass windows, its extensive library that held the valuable Hortus deliciarum codex, and the medicinal products made by the monks, such as 'balls' and 'medicinal wine'.
What happened to the Molsheim Charterhouse after the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution, the charterhouse was closed, sold as national property, and divided. Parts of the monastery were destroyed, and its furniture and stained glass were dispersed. The temporal buildings were largely acquired by the local hospital.
What is at the site of the former Molsheim Charterhouse today?
Today, the remaining buildings of the former Molsheim Charterhouse house the Musée de la Chartreuse, which opened in 1985 in the former prior's house. An exhibition room for the Bugatti Foundation is also located in the former monastery kitchens.
When was the Molsheim Charterhouse officially recognized?
The Carthusian monastery in Molsheim was canonically recognized in 'statu perfecto' in 1662, signifying its full establishment and recognition within the Carthusian order.
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