Chartreuse (Carthusian Order)

Chartreuse is a French monastery established by the Carthusian Order, a Catholic religious community founded in the 11th century. Known for their strict contemplative lifestyle, Carthusians live in solitude, combining monastic prayer, manual work, and community worship. They are renowned for developing the herbal liqueur called Chartreuse, made by the monks from a secret blend of herbs and spirits. The order emphasizes silence, spiritual reflection, and simplicity, aiming to attain closeness to God through a disciplined, prayer-focused life. Their monasteries are characterized by their serene, austere architecture and commitment to silence and contemplative practice.