The Certosa of Calci

The Certosa was built as an enclosed convent. It was restored and enlarged between the XVII-th and XVIII-th century.

Once entered into this big building, it is possible to visit numerous suggestive rooms: the first one is the "Entrance Hall", surmounted by a statue portraying "Saint Bruno", who was the founder of the Certosine Order. On its right side opens the Saint Sebastiane Chapel, whose inside it is possible to admire some frescoes dating back to the XVIII-th century.

Inside the Certosa, a fouteenth-century church opens on a large square. The religious building shows a rich facade with marble-made decorations and it is preceded by a flight of stairs.

The interior of the church has just an aisle and along its walls decorated as frescoes it is possible to admire "Bible's Stories" painted by different artists and some stalls that were carved by Marco da Villa.

Close to the main altar there is a fine shovel by Baldassarre Franceschini (1611-1690), called the "Volterrano" (from Volterra), portraying the "Virgin Mary, Saint Bruno and other saints".

From the right side of the church it is possible to reach the "Big Cloister", being this latter a large square whose middle there is a fountain made by Feliciano Bianchi. Close to the "Big Cloister" rises the "Little Capitural Cloister", from which it is possible to enter in the Refectory, whose inside it is possible to admire fine frescoes like a "Last Supper" painted by Bernardino Poccetti (1553-1612).

The Grand Ducal Guest-Quarters is a part of the Certosa. It was built at the end of the XVIII-th century as a place where to host the Tuscan Grand Dukes during their stays. The building consists of three rooms that were entirely painted with by Pietro Giarrè and of a large terrace from which it is possible to enjoy a wonderful sight on the Pisano mount and on the whole city of Pisa.