Carthusia I Profumi di Capri
Founded 1948
Legend says monks at Capri's Certosa di San Giacomo made the island's first perfume in 1380. In 1948 the prior found old formulas and, with the Pope's permission, passed them to a chemist from Piedmont, who started Carthusia. Its small laboratory near the Gardens of Augustus still makes everything by hand, and the Ruocco family from Capri runs it today.
Hours and prices change, so check with the shop before you go.
A monastery legend and Capri's small perfume laboratory
Carthusia I Profumi di Capri traces its story to a legend from 1380. The prior of Capri's Certosa, the monks' monastery, had prepared flowers for a visit by Queen Giovanna d'Angiò, which a sea storm cancelled, and the water the flowers stood in picked up a scent. In 1948 a new prior found the old formulas and, with the Pope's permission, passed them to a chemist from Piedmont, who started the laboratory.
Today the Ruocco family, Capri people for generations, look after the house; Silvio Ruocco took it over in 1998. Every stage of production is done by hand, following natural methods, in a small laboratory a few steps from the Gardens of Augustus, and the house says its fragrances draw on Capri's nature.
The laboratory shop at Viale Parco Augusto 2 is the only Capri shop open all year. From April to October there are also boutiques on Piazza Umberto I, the Piazzetta, and in Anacapri at Via Capodimonte 26. An eau de parfum costs €80 to €110, in 50 ml or 100 ml. Try Fiori di Capri first: the house calls it its first fragrance, built on lily of the valley and wild carnation.
- Fiori di CapriThe house's first fragrance, lily of the valley and wild carnation over amber, sandalwood and oak.
- MediterraneoDedicated to the cradle of the great civilisations of Europe, Africa and Asia, with lemon leaf, green tea, white musk and cardamom.
- Via CamerelleNamed after Capri's best-known street, a walk in the sun with lemon, bitter orange, marine musk and cedar.
Where to buy
- Laboratory shop, Viale Parco Augusto 2, Capri
- Boutique, Piazza Umberto I, Capri
- Boutique, Via Capodimonte 26, Anacapri
In our city guides
- Carthusia, Anacapri (Boutique, Capri)
- Carthusia laboratory and shop (Boutique, Capri)
- Carthusia, Piazzetta (Boutique, Capri)