Le Corbusier's La Tourette Monastery Now Open to Overnight Guests
The Dominican monastery of La Tourette, designed by Le Corbusier near Lyon, France, now welcomes visitors to stay overnight in its cells. Built between 1952 and 1959, the concrete structure on a slope features pilotis, precise light apertures by Iannis Xenakis, and sculptural chimneys. With declining vocations, monks opened the monastery to scholars, artists, architects, and travelers seeking silence. Guests share meals in the refectory and may attend morning prayer and vespers. The design bridges Le Corbusier's earlier Ronchamp chapel and Chandigarh city planning. The experience is described as slowly transformative, encouraging return visits.
Key facts
- La Tourette monastery was designed by Le Corbusier for the Dominican Province of Lyon.
- Construction began in 1952 and monks moved in by 1959.
- The building is made of raw concrete, supported by slender pilotis on a slope.
- Light apertures were designed with mathematical precision by Iannis Xenakis.
- The monastery now offers overnight stays in former cells to visitors.
- Guests share meals in the refectory and can attend prayers.
- Le Corbusier completed Ronchamp and Chandigarh around the same period.
- The chimneys are sculptural and echo those of the Ronchamp chapel.
Entities
Artists
- Le Corbusier
- Iannis Xenakis
Institutions
- Dominican Province of Lyon
- Artribune
Locations
- Lyon
- France
- La Tourette
- Ronchamp
- Chandigarh
- India
- La Chaux-de-Fonds
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin