Karthaus Xanten

The Karthaus Xanten was founded in 1417 by Duke Adolf of Cleves, who established a monastery for twelve monks on the Rhine island of op der Graven near Flüren. In 1419, he officially endowed it to the Carthusians. After initial difficulties with the General Chapter of the order, which only agreed after an increase in the endowment sum, the monastery was consecrated to Mary, John the Baptist, and John the Evangelist. It was admitted to the order in 1420 and later offered space for 24 religious. Duke Adolf, who protected the monastery, was buried there in 1448. During the Eighty Years' War, the monastery experienced multiple occupations and damages. Following the Reformation in Wesel, there were attacks by Protestant citizens. In 1590, the monastery was abandoned and partially destroyed, after which Duke Adolf's remains and the prior were transferred to a Dominican monastery in Wesel. The Carthusians later received a part of an Augustinian monastery. In 1628, the Carthusians relocated their convent to Xanten due to religious tensions. Despite initial resistance from the city lords, who did not want another monastery, the Carthusians managed to acquire land and establish a convent with eight cells. In 1647, they received permission to use the St. Andreas Chapel and in 1749 acquired the Andreas churchyard. The monastery was finally dissolved in 1802 during the secularization under Napoleon Bonaparte. The monastic library was transferred to the Xanten collegiate library, and the St. Andreas Chapel was demolished. The remaining Carthusians returned to the island of op der Graven. The Karthaus Xanten later passed into private ownership and eventually into the possession of the city of Xanten.

The Karthaus Xanten is situated in the city of Wesel in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The complex is located at an elevation of approximately 26 meters above sea level.

Today, the Karthaus Xanten is protected as a historical monument in North Rhine-Westphalia. In the late 20th century, a restaurant was established in the lower part of the Karthaus, while the upper floors housed the Xanten City Library.

• Xanten Cathedral (Sacred building, approx. 124 m away)
• Roman City Colonia Ulpia Traiana and Tricensimae (Ancient buildings, approx. 510 m away)
• Erprath Castle (Xanten) (Castle, approx. 1092 m away)
• Lüttingen Castle (Xanten) (Castle, approx. 1829 m away)