Charterhouse Ittingen

A short distance south of Stein-am-Rhein and well worth a visit is Kartause Ittingen, a former Charterhouse (Carthusian monastery) out in the countryside near Warth, some 6km south over a ridge from Stein-am-Rhein. From 1461 until 1868, the old buildings were home to a community of between twelve and fifteen Carthusian monks; recently restored after decades of neglect, the complex today houses the Ittinger Museum (Mon–Fri 2–5pm, Sat & Sun 11am–5pm; Fr.5), which sheds light on the life of the Carthusian order. The monks lived a life of extreme austerity, taking all meals except Sunday lunch alone in their cell, having each day divided into strict periods of work, rest and prayer (including a three-hour service every night from 11.30pm, and never more than four-and-a-half hours’ sleep at a stretch), and remaining committed by oath to silence at all times. The restored rooms of the monastery begin directly opposite the museum entrance with the stunning Rococo church.