Carthusia

Legend recounts that in 1380, the father prior of the Carthusian Monastery of St James picked the most beautiful bouquet of flowers to welcome Queen Joan of Anjou on her trip to Capri. These native flowers sat in the same water for three days and as the father went to throw them away he noticed the most unique scent. Inspired, he turned to the friar who specialised in alchemy to recreate the scent. This water was the first perfume of Capri.

In 1948, the Priory of Certosa found the old fragrance formulas and, under the Pope’s license, revealed it to a Piedmontese chemist who thus created the smallest laboratory in the world, calling it “Carthusia”.

Today, all stages of Carthusia’s production are handmade, observing centuries old practises to ensure strict observance of natural methods and the precious care of craft making. All the Carthusian fragrances have an invisible and indissoluble bond with Capri.

Atmospheres and emotions of Capri are found in all Carthusia products, and all ingredients are derived from Capri’s environment paying homage to the beautiful island. The symbol for Carthusia was created in 1948 by the painter Mario Laboccetta. It portrays a “flower siren” that brings to mind the surreal and mythological landscapes of Capri’s heritage. She appears to be in the midst of an evolution, blooming with a myriad of colourful flowers, from which Carthusia perfumes descend; a logo which recalls both art and nature in all their forms.