Cartusian Resting Place

The Cartusian Resting Place is a tranquil retreat on the edge of the De Geelders nature reserve, where visitors can enjoy peace, quiet and the surrounding landscape. The memorial site commemorates the Carthusian monks who lived in the Dommel Valley more than five hundred years ago. The Carthusians lived here in isolation as hermits devoted to silence and contemplation.

Silently Nearby
The memorial is marked by a bench, an information panel and a boulder bearing the inscription: “Silently nearby, the timeless stream flows on. Here the Carthusians dwelt for a while, in humble silence and deep reflection, drawing closer to God. Their longing was expressed in prayer upon prayer, embracing unity in endless light.”

Life in Silence
Thanks to donations of land and property from ’s-Hertogenbosch canon Ludolf van de Water, the Carthusians founded a monastery in Olland in 1466, later known as Saint Sophia of Constantinople. The monastery consisted of five cells: small rooms with enclosed gardens behind them. According to a later chronicle, a chapel stood beside the monastery. Only on Sundays and feast days did the monks speak to one another, take walks together and share meals.

Carthusian Farmsteads
The exact location of this modest monastery in Olland remains unknown. It was sustained by income from lands and farms, known as Carthusian farmsteads, including the Slophoos in Olland and the Groot Duijfhuis in Kasteren. Many woodland areas in and around De Geelders were also owned by the Carthusians.

A Brief Stay
The Carthusians did not remain here for long. In 1467 they left Olland, moving successively to Den Dungen, Vught and eventually Antwerp. In addition to the resting place, a work of art in the form of a choir stall and special paving stones in Olland still commemorate the presence of the Carthusians.

This location has a rich historical background. You can read more about it in the Canon of Meierijstad.

This text has been translated using AI.