La Valsainte Charterhouse
La Valsainte Charterhouse is the sole surviving Carthusian monastery in Switzerland, located in the Canton of Fribourg. Founded in 1295, it has a complex history marked by destruction, suppression, and revival, notably serving as a refuge for French Trappists and becoming a center for the Cistercian Reform. The monastery has been a significant spiritual and intellectual hub throughout the 20th century, attracting scholars and artists.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1295 by Girard I, lord of Corbières.
- ›The only extant Carthusian monastery in Switzerland.
- ›Served as a birthplace for the Cistercian Reform movement in 1794.
- ›Housed refugee French Trappists during the French Revolution.
- ›The main block of the current buildings dates from 1729, with significant late 19th-century additions.
- ›Attracted intellectuals and artists interested in spirituality throughout the 20th century.
Gothic, Baroque
- 14th-Century Vaulting In TuffièRe Stone
- Non-Figurative Stained Glass Windows By Bernard Schorderet
- Enamel Tabernacle and Processional Cross By Raymond Mirande
- 14th-Century Gothic Madonna
Vallis Sanctorum Omnium, Vallis Sancta
Girard I, Lord of CorbièRes, Dom Augustin De Lestrange, Dom Basile Nantas, Cardinal Charles Journet, Dom Florent MièGe, RaïSsa Maritain, Jacques Maritain, Dom Nicolas Barras, Dom Augustin Guillerand, Dom Jean-Baptiste Porion, Jacques Loew, Dom Benoit Lambres
- Destroyed By Fire In 1381
- Passed Into the Lordship of the County of Greyerz In 1454
- Passed To the City of Fribourg In 1535
- Suppression Agreed To By the Pope In 1778
- Gave Shelter To Refugee French Trappists In 1791
- Declared A Cistercian Abbey In 1794
- Expelled Trappists By Napoleon In 1798
- Trappists Returned 1802-1812 and 1814-1815
- Provided Shelter For Redemptorists From 1818 To 1824
- Sold and Demolished After 1824
- Return of Carthusian Community In 1863
- Two Additional Ranges of Cells Built For French Monks In 1886 and 1901
- Chapter General of the Carthusian Order Met Here In 1903 and 1904
About La Valsainte Charterhouse
La Valsainte Charterhouse, situated in the picturesque valleys of the Javro and Jaun in Canton Fribourg, Switzerland, stands as the last remaining Carthusian monastery in the country. Its Latin names, "Vallis sanctorum omnium" (Valley of All Saints) and later "Vallis Sancta" (Holy Valley), reflect its spiritual significance. Founded in 1295 by Girard I, lord of Corbières, the monastery's history is one of resilience, marked by periods of destruction, suppression, and eventual revival.
Historical Context and Significance
Throughout the Middle Ages, La Valsainte was a significant landholder, exercising considerable jurisdictional rights. The charterhouse faced destruction by fire in 1381 and later underwent complex political shifts, passing through various lordships and facing attempts at suppression by the government of Fribourg. A pivotal moment occurred in 1791 when it provided refuge for French Trappists fleeing the Revolution under Dom Augustin de Lestrange. Pope Pius VI declared the premises a Cistercian abbey in 1794, making it the birthplace of the Cistercian Reform movement. Despite expulsions by Napoleon, the Trappists returned, and the monastery later housed Redemptorists before being sold and largely demolished, save for its main 1729 block.
The Carthusian community was able to return in 1863, leading to a period of restoration and rebuilding. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw further expansion to accommodate exiled French Carthusians, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary. This era also saw La Valsainte function as an influential center for Catholic monasticism, attracting intellectuals and spiritual seekers. The Chapter General of the Carthusian order convened here in 1903 and 1904, highlighting its importance within the order. The monastery continues to be a vibrant spiritual center, though its community size has seen a decline in recent decades.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Valsainte Charterhouse founded?
La Valsainte Charterhouse was founded in 1295 by Girard I, the lord of Corbières. Its early history involved significant land ownership and jurisdiction over surrounding areas.
What is the current status of La Valsainte Charterhouse?
La Valsainte Charterhouse is currently an active Carthusian monastery. It is the only one of its kind remaining in Switzerland.
Has La Valsainte Charterhouse always been a Carthusian monastery?
While founded as a Carthusian monastery, La Valsainte experienced periods of suppression and was briefly declared a Cistercian abbey. It also provided shelter for Trappist and Redemptorist communities at different times before the Carthusians returned.
Is La Valsainte Charterhouse open to the public?
The charterhouse is generally closed to visitors, apart from a public chapel. However, a reconstruction of the daily lives of the Carthusian monks is available at the Musée de Charmey.
What significant historical events occurred at La Valsainte?
The monastery was destroyed by fire in 1381 and later suppressed by papal decree in 1778. It also served as a refuge for Trappists during the French Revolution and was the site of the Cistercian Reform's beginnings.
Who are some notable figures associated with La Valsainte Charterhouse?
Notable figures include Cardinal Charles Journet, who is buried there, and Carthusian monks like Dom Florent Miège, spiritual father of Raïssa Maritain, and Dom Jean-Baptiste Porion, whose writings attracted artists and intellectuals.
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