Pomier Charterhouse

Pomier Charterhouse, also known by its French name Chartreuse de Pomier, was a significant Carthusian monastery located in Pomier, Présilly, near Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region of France. Its strategic position near the Swiss border and at the foot of the Salève mountain, also placing it on the Way of St. James, contributed to its historical importance.

History and Significance

The charterhouse was established in 1170 through the efforts of William I, Count of Geneva. For centuries, it served as a notable burial place for a number of Counts of Geneva and Vaud, underscoring its connection to the region's noble families. The monastery also received imperial recognition, being visited by Emperors Sigismund and Charles IV, who subsequently placed it under Imperial protection. Throughout its history, Pomier Charterhouse was led by 91 priors.

Decline and Modern Use

The monastery faced a period of destruction during the French Revolution in 1793, when it was pillaged and its religious structures were ruined. The site was then sold into private hands and, over time, was repurposed for various industrial and agricultural activities, including pottery production, brewing, and farming. In 1894, Jérémie Girod acquired the property and undertook the restoration of the main building, transforming it into the Hôtel Pension Abbaye de Pomier. This hotel operated until 1991. Today, the restored structures of the charterhouse, specifically its cellars and ground-floor chapter rooms, are utilized as an event and conference venue.