A large Carthusian monastery in the Pisan hills at Calci, rebuilt in Baroque style and housing the University of Pisa's natural history museum.
The Certosa di Calci was founded in 1366 and rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries in Baroque style. It is one of the largest Carthusian charterhouses in Italy, set in a valley in the Monte Pisano. The complex contains a church, cloisters, the monks' cells and a pharmacy, along with a national museum of the monastery. Part of the Certosa houses the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa, with whale skeletons and mineral and zoological collections. It makes a worthwhile half-day trip from Pisa for visitors interested in monastic life and natural science.
| Admission | Adult Ticket required; confirm the current price at the official sites · Child Reduced or free for young children |
|---|---|
| Hours | Hours vary by day and season; guided visits are common. Check certosadicalci.it and visitamusei.pisa.it before travelling |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Morning, with a guided visit |
| Getting there | About 12 km from Pisa; reached by CTT Nord bus from Pisa (about 30 minutes, see cttnord.it) or by car |
| Address | Via Roma 79, 56011 Calci PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- history buffs, families, natural history fans
Location
Via Roma 79, 56011 Calci PI, Italy
43.7241, 10.5135 View on map
Highlights
- Baroque monastic church and cloisters
- Historic monastery pharmacy
- University natural history museum with whale skeletons
- Setting in the Monte Pisano hills
Tips for visiting
- Guided visits are available; for national museum tours call +39 324 0018050
- Combine with a walk in the Monte Pisano hills
When to visit
Morning on weekdays.
Accessibility
Parts of the complex are accessible; check with the museum administration in advance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the Certosa from Pisa?
Take a CTT Nord bus toward Calci from Pisa (about 30 minutes) or travel by car; check timetables at cttnord.it.