The charterhouse was founded in 1341 by the Florentine noble Niccolò Acciaioli, Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Naples, but continued to expand over the centuries as the recipient of numerous donations. In 1958 the monastery was taken over by Cistercian monks. The chapter house now holds lunettes from the cloister, frescoed by Pontormo, damaged by exposure to the elements. The charterhouse inspired Le Corbusier for his urban projects.