Parma Charterhouse
Christian·Italy·School for prison police·13th century
The Parma Charterhouse, also known as Certosa di San Girolamo, is a former Carthusian monastery situated on the outskirts of Parma, Italy. Originally founded in the late 13th century, the site underwent significant Baroque reconstruction in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. After its suppression in 1769, the monastery was repurposed for various functions, including a tobacco factory and a reformatory, before becoming a school for prison police in 1975.
Key Facts
- ›The first Carthusian monastery on the site was built between 1285 and 1304.
- ›The minor cloister dates from the 15th century.
- ›A new Baroque monastery, cloister, and church were constructed between 1673 and 1722.
- ›The monastery was suppressed in 1769 and subsequently used for cigar manufacturing.
- ›It has served as a reformatory for juvenile offenders and currently functions as a school for prison police.
- ›The church is dedicated to St. Jerome and features works by artists like Francesco Pescaroli and Gian Battista Natali.
Baroque, Gothic
- Church Dedicated To St. Jerome
- Works and Frescoes By Francesco Pescaroli, Alessandro Baratta, Gian Battista Natali, and Ilario Spolverini
- Minor Cloister From the 15th Century
Certosa Di San Girolamo
Rolando Taverna
- Suppression In 1769
- Conversion To Tobacco Factory
- Conversion To Reformatory For Juvenile Offenders
- Acquisition of Present Function As School For Prison Police In 1975
About Parma Charterhouse
Parma Charterhouse: A Former Carthusian Monastery
The Parma Charterhouse, officially known as the Certosa di San Girolamo, is a historical monastic complex situated on the outskirts of Parma, Italy. Its origins trace back to the late 13th century, with the first Carthusian monastery established on the site between 1285 and 1304, initiated by Archbishop Rolando Taverna. While little of this original structure remains, a minor cloister from the 15th century still exists.
Reconstruction and Transformation
A significant transformation occurred between 1673 and 1722 when a new Baroque monastery, cloister, and church were constructed based on designs by Francesco Pescaroli. The church itself is dedicated to St. Jerome and features notable works and frescoes by artists such as Francesco Pescaroli, Alessandro Baratta, Gian Battista Natali, and Ilario Spolverini.
Secular Use and Modern Function
The monastery's religious life concluded with its suppression in 1769. Subsequently, the site was repurposed for industrial and social functions. It was utilized for the manufacture of cigars, becoming known as the "Fabbrica Ducale dei Tabacchi di Parma." In 1900, it was converted into a reformatory for juvenile offenders. Since 1975, the Parma Charterhouse has served its present-day function as the School for Training and Development of the Penitentiary Police (Scuola di Formazione e Aggiornamento della Polizia Penitenziaria).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Parma Charterhouse first established?
The initial Carthusian monastery at the site was constructed between 1285 and 1304. This original structure has largely not survived, with much of the current complex dating from later periods.
What is the current function of the Parma Charterhouse site?
Since 1975, the site has served as the School for Training and Development of the Penitentiary Police (Scuola di Formazione e Aggiornamento della Polizia Penitenziaria). Prior to this, it was a reformatory for juvenile offenders.
What architectural style is prominent at the Parma Charterhouse?
While the original monastery from the late 13th century had its own style, the significant reconstruction between 1673 and 1722 introduced Baroque elements to the monastery, cloister, and church.
Is the Parma Charterhouse still an active monastery?
No, the Parma Charterhouse is no longer an active monastery. It was suppressed in 1769 and has since been used for secular purposes.
What notable artwork can be found in the church?
The church, dedicated to St. Jerome, contains works and frescoes by artists including Francesco Pescaroli, Alessandro Baratta, Gian Battista Natali, and Ilario Spolverini.
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