The Certosa di Calci is a vast 14th-century Carthusian monastery in the Monte Pisano hills, now home to the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa.
The Certosa di Calci is a short trip east of Pisa and one of the great monastic complexes of Italy. Founded in 1366 and later rebuilt in Baroque style, it houses the University of Pisa Natural History Museum with a large whale skeleton collection. The surrounding Monte Pisano is covered by olive groves and offers short walks.
| Distance | 12 km east of Pisa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 30 minutes by bus |
| Getting there | Autolinee Toscane bus from Pisa to Calci (about 30 minutes), or car in about 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Via Roma 79, 56011 Calci PI, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Bus
- Duration
- About 30 minutes
- Notes
- Autolinee Toscane service from Pisa to Calci village; verify route on at-bus.it
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- 20 minutes
- Notes
- Parking is available near the Certosa
Suggested itinerary
- Bus to Calci, tour the Certosa and the museum, walk the olive-grove paths, eat at a trattoria in Calci and return to Pisa.
Location
Via Roma 79, 56011 Calci PI, Italy
43.7228, 10.5236 View on map
Highlights
- Baroque church and monastic cells
- Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa
- Whale skeleton gallery
- Historic pharmacy and gardens
- Monte Pisano olive groves
Tips for visiting
- Check opening days before going; the Certosa is typically closed on Mondays
- Guided tour information at msn.unipi.it
When to visit
Spring and autumn.
Accessibility
Parts of the Certosa are accessible; the garden paths are uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the Certosa di Calci?
By Autolinee Toscane bus from Pisa to Calci in about 30 minutes or by car in about 20 minutes.
Is it open on Mondays?
Check the museum site; the Certosa is usually closed on Mondays.