"Galluzzo (Firenze). La Certosa"

gelatin silver print

stamp verso

Photograph from a collection of tourism photographs from the first half of the 20^th century, issued by Italian tourism boards. High-quality works by renowned studios, such as the Alinari brothers, were frequently used to promote Italy as a travel destination. With the West German Economic Miracle (Wirtschaftswunder) of the 1950s, these idealized images of longing became a reality: rising prosperity and increased leisure time transformed vacations into a status symbol. Italy – particularly the Riviera and the Adriatic coast – became the number one destination of choice. By the mid-1950s, 4.5 million Germans were already traveling across the Alps, marking the beginning of modern mass tourism.¹

The Certosa di San Lorenzo di Galluzzo near Florence is one of the most monumental monastic complexes in Tuscany. Founded in 1341 by the Florentine statesman Niccolò Acciaioli and expanded over centuries, the Carthusian monastery combines defensive architecture with Renaissance elements. Erected on a hilltop, the complex is striking for its prominent church facade, remodeled in the 16^th century, and its elegant campanile. The sprawling complex contains significant works of art, including frescoes by Pontormo in the great cloister and the monumental tombs of the founding family in the crypt.
(Christoph Fuchs)

Note

1
"Geteiltes Deutschland: Modernisierung. Bundesrepublik im Wandel. Tourismus", Lebendiges Museum online, Deutsches Historisches Museum, https://www.hdg.de/lemo/kapitel/geteiltes-deutschland-modernisierung/bundesrepublik-im-wandel/tourismus.html (accessed 26.6.2026)