Carthusia

In 1380 on the island of Capri, the monks of Carthusian Monastery of St. Giacomo were taken by surprise when they learnt that Queen Joan of Anjou would be visiting them. Legend has it the father prior went around the island, gathering the most beautiful flowers he could find to present to the queen. The flowers were kept in water for 3 days, and just as the monks went to throw them away, they noticed a beautiful fragrance coming from the water. They went to their alchemist, who figured out how to recreate and preserve the scent, thus creating the first perfume of Capri.

Hundreds of years later, in 1948, the monks’ perfume formulas were rediscovered by the Priory of Certosa. With permission from the Pope, a chemist went about reproducing the formulas in a small laboratory, named Carthusia.

In the late 40s painter Mario Laboccetta created Carthusia’s logo – a flower siren surrounded by native Capresi blooms, symbolising the brand’s indissoluble bond with Capri.

Today, Carthusia’s fragrances are still all handmade, observing centuries old practises, ensuring the highest level of quality in their fragrances. The spirit and history of Capri is embedded in every Carthusia product, and all ingredients are derived from Capri’s environment, paying homage to the beautiful island.