WHAT TO SEE IN CALCI

Monumental Charterhouse of Calci

The Certosa di Calci, also known as the Certosa di Pisa, is a former Carthusian monastery dating back to 1366 that now houses the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa, one of the oldest museums in the world.
The monumental complex, nestled in the greenery of the Val Graziosa, has great historical and cultural significance. In the 1600s, the Certosa was transformed from a stern convent into an extravagant Baroque residence with frescoes, marbles, stuccos, and valuable furnishings that can still be admired in all their splendor today. Of particular value are the Chapels of Saint Joseph and the Rosary, frescoed by the Livornese painter Giuseppe Maria Terreni, who also created the famous altarpiece depicting the Madonna del Rosario, Fra San Domenico, and the Blessed Rosellina, one of the masterpieces of 18th-century Italian painting. The Certosa is a must-visit for art lovers touring Tuscany, both for its architecture and the treasures it holds inside.

ZOOLOGY, FOSSILS, AND MINERALS

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa was founded in the 1500s by Ferdinando I De Medici and boasts collections of zoological specimens, fossils, and minerals across more than 4,000 square meters of exhibition space spread over three floors, housed within the ancient Certosa di Pisa in Calci. The fascinating themed exhibition on the history of dinosaurs is particularly suited for children: visitors can see rooms with life-size reconstructed skeletons and a recreation of an archaeological dig from Patagonia. Also not to be missed is the Aquarium Gallery, which houses two tanks: the first displays specimens of Tuscan marine fauna, while the second is dedicated to freshwater fish species. The museum also offers the possibility to arrange guided thematic tours tailored to the age and interests of participants, providing an unforgettable experience, especially for children and teenagers, to introduce them to the magical world of nature.