San José Charterhouse, the Carthusian monastery of Córdoba
The San José Charterhouse (Cartuja de San José) is a monastery of the Carthusian Order in the Sierras de Sauce Punco, about ten kilometres from Deán Funes in Córdoba province. It is the third Carthusian monastery in the Americas and one of the hidden gems of Córdoba for anyone drawn to history, silence and monastic architecture.
For years, Argentines who wished to become Carthusians had to emigrate. So in a secluded corner of the Córdoba hills, a community of monks of several nationalities built their own charterhouse with 22 cells.
The history of the San José Charterhouse
In the mid-1990s, Argentines who felt a Carthusian vocation had to emigrate to Spain or elsewhere to follow it. That difficulty gave rise, in 1995, to the idea of founding a monastery of the Carthusian Order in Argentina itself. The Carthusians are a contemplative order living a secluded life, and their houses stand far from urban centres.
In 1997 the General Chapter of the Order approved the project, which also had the backing of the Argentine Episcopal Conference. That same year founding monks, coming from Spain, Argentina and Germany, were sent to find a suitable site. They found it at the Campo de la Trinidad, a secluded area of the Sierras de Sauce Punco about ten kilometres from the town of Deán Funes, in Córdoba province.
The design was entrusted to the architect Federico Shanahan, who toured several European charterhouses to learn what a monastery of this order needs. On 15 October 1998 a small part of the building was inaugurated, just what the founding monks needed to lead their monastic life and receive aspirants.
Six years later, on 19 March 2004, Saint Joseph's Day, the monastery was inaugurated in its final form and the church was consecrated. The construction is of a traditional kind: solid and spacious, built with rustic but durable materials. It has 22 cells, the church, several chapels, a refectory (the communal dining hall), a chapter house and a guesthouse intended for the monks' relatives.
Today around a dozen monks of several nationalities live at the San José Charterhouse. The sources agree that it is the third Carthusian monastery in the Americas, but they differ on how to place it within Latin America, so only the continental fact is kept here.
Curious facts about the San José Charterhouse
- It is the third Carthusian monastery in the Americas, and it exists because Argentines with a Carthusian vocation had to emigrate to follow it.
- The founding monks came from three countries: Spain, Argentina and Germany.
- To plan it, the architect Federico Shanahan visited various charterhouses in Europe to learn how a Carthusian monastery should be laid out.
- The final inauguration took place on 19 March 2004, Saint Joseph's Day, the saint to whom the charterhouse is dedicated.
- The monastery has 22 cells, a church, several chapels, a refectory and a chapter house.
- The guesthouse is only for the monks' relatives, and the community numbers around a dozen religious of several nationalities.
Tours near San José Charterhouse
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting the San José Charterhouse
- The charterhouse is an enclosed monastery home to a contemplative community; the sources consulted do not describe a visiting regime, so find out in advance before you go.
- According to the sources, the guesthouse receives only the monks' relatives.
- The monastery lies in the Campo de la Trinidad, a secluded hill-country area about ten kilometres from Deán Funes.
- To learn about daily life inside, look for the photography exhibition Luz y misterio. El secreto de los monjes, mentioned in the sources, and for the information published by the Carthusian Order.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where San José Charterhouse is
Photos of San José Charterhouse
Questions
What is the San José Charterhouse in Córdoba?
It is a monastery of the Carthusian Order near Deán Funes, in Córdoba province. It was inaugurated in its final form on 19 March 2004 and is the third Carthusian monastery in the Americas.
Where is the San José Charterhouse?
In the Campo de la Trinidad, in the Sierras de Sauce Punco, about ten kilometres from the town of Deán Funes in northern Córdoba.
Who designed the San José Charterhouse?
The architect Federico Shanahan, who toured charterhouses in Europe for advice. A small part opened in 1998 and the complex was completed in 2004.
How many monks live at the San José Charterhouse?
The sources speak of about a dozen monks of several nationalities. The monastery has 22 cells.
Can you visit the San José Charterhouse?
The sources do not describe visits for the public: the guesthouse is only for the monks' relatives. Check the charterhouse's official information before planning a trip.
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