The Medieval Origins of the Carthusian Landscape in Piedmont (Twelfth-Fourteenth Centuries)

This article investigates the medieval origins of the Carthusian landscape in Piedmont by examining the cartularies of the monasteries of Casotto and Montebenedetto, which were the first Carthusian foundations established in the region during the twelfth century. Particular attention is given to the strong connection between these Italian monasteries and the Grande Chartreuse, especially as reflected in the treatment of land and territory found in the Consuetudines Cartusiae. By cross-referencing monastic documentary sources with historical cartography, the study reconstructs, also through graphic analysis, the evolving patterns of land possession involving the two Italian monasteries. This approach provides new insights into the formation of the Carthusian landscape from the twelfth to the fourteenth century and highlights the persistence of pre-existing structures still visible in the territory today.