Losa Charterhouse
Montebenedetto Charterhouse, also known as Losa Charterhouse in its early history, was a former Carthusian monastery located in the Val di Susa, Piedmont, Northern Italy. Founded in the late 12th century, its initial site at Losa proved unsuitable, leading to its relocation to Montebenedetto. The monastery underwent several moves and destructions over centuries, with its original church being the most well-preserved structure.
Key Facts
- ›Founded between 1189 and 1191 as Losa Charterhouse, it relocated to Montebenedetto by 1197-1198.
- ›The monastery's former church is a well-preserved example of Romanesque architecture, dating to the 13th century.
- ›The original site was damaged by floods in the 15th century, leading to a move to Banda, which later became known as Banda Charterhouse.
- ›The buildings at Montebenedetto were reduced to a grange and farmstead after the community relocated.
- ›The monastery's former cloisters, cells, and lay brother buildings suffered damage and fell into ruin.
- ›Restoration efforts focused on the monastic church in 1987 and 2000.
Romanesque
Former Carthusian Church
Losa Charterhouse, Certosa Di Montebenedetto, Certosa Della Losa
- Flood In 1473 Largely Destroyed the Premises.
- Community Resettled To Expanded Premises At Banda In 1498.
- Buildings Destroyed For Defensive Reasons In 1630.
About Losa Charterhouse
Montebenedetto Charterhouse
Montebenedetto Charterhouse, also known by its earlier name Losa Charterhouse (Certosa della Losa), is a former Carthusian monastery situated in the Val di Susa, Piedmont, Northern Italy. Its history is marked by relocation, destruction, and eventual decline, with its most notable surviving element being its 13th-century Romanesque church.
History and Development
The Carthusian order established their presence in the region with the founding of Losa Charterhouse between 1189 and 1191. However, this initial site proved to be unsuitable for the monastic community. Consequently, by 1197 or 1198, the monks relocated to a new monastery built on lands provided by Tommaso of Moriana, which became known as Montebenedetto Charterhouse. The community also acquired estates lower down the mountains, establishing granges and guest houses.
During the 15th century, there was growing pressure for the community to move to a more accessible location. A significant flood in 1473 caused considerable damage to the premises. This event, along with other pressures, led to the monks re-settling in 1498 to expanded premises at Banda, which then became known as Banda Charterhouse. Following this move, the original Montebenedetto site was reduced to the status of a grange, functioning primarily as a farmstead.
The community at Banda later moved to Avigliana Charterhouse in 1598. The buildings at Montebenedetto and Banda suffered further destruction when Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, ordered their demolition for defensive reasons in 1630. Although the dispossessed monks were eventually given Collegno Charterhouse in 1642, they temporarily reoccupied the buildings at Montebenedetto and Banda in the intervening years.
Location and Structure
Montebenedetto Charterhouse is located at an altitude of 1,120 metres above sea level, nestled in a clearing surrounded by woods and adjacent to the Fontane river. It is currently part of the comune of Villar Focchiardo. Of the original monastic complex, the former Carthusian church is the best-preserved part, showcasing Romanesque architectural style from the 13th century. Unfortunately, the great and small cloisters, the cells, and the buildings that housed the lay brothers were significantly damaged by the flood and subsequently fell into ruin after the monastery was abandoned.
Restoration
Recent efforts have been made to preserve the remaining structures. Repair and restoration works were carried out in 1987 and 2000, with a particular focus on the monastic church, ensuring that this significant historical and architectural element endures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Montebenedetto Charterhouse founded?
The Carthusians initially founded a monastery as Losa Charterhouse between 1189 and 1191. By 1197 or 1198, the community had moved to a new site, Montebenedetto Charterhouse.
What is the architectural style of Montebenedetto Charterhouse?
The most well-preserved part of the monastery is its former church, which was built in the Romanesque style in the 13th century. Other monastic buildings were damaged and fell into ruin.
What happened to the original monastery site?
The initial site at Losa proved unsuitable for the Carthusian monks. After relocating to Montebenedetto, the Losa site was eventually reduced to the status of a grange and farmstead.
Has the monastery been restored?
Yes, repair and restoration works were undertaken in 1987 and 2000. These efforts primarily focused on the monastic church.
Where is Montebenedetto Charterhouse located?
Montebenedetto Charterhouse is situated in the Val di Susa in Piedmont, Northern Italy, at an altitude of 1,120 metres above sea level. It is now part of the comune of Villar Focchiardo.
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