The Charterhouse of St. James

About this activity

On the island of Capri, a stone's throw from the famous shopping street Via Camerelle and the fascinating Gardens of Augustus, stands the oldest historic building on Capri: the striking Charterhouse of St. James. Its construction dates back to the second half of the 14th century at the behest of Count Giacomo Arcucci, under the reign of Queen Giovanna I of Anjou. The monumental complex, nestled in a quiet atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the island, boasts a long history waiting to be discovered. Today it is home to the Liceo Classico di Capri, the Diefenbach Museum and occasionally hosts events, concerts and art exhibitions.

Why visit the Charterhouse of San Giacomo on Capri

Among the oldest historic buildings on the fascinating island of Capri is the intriguing Charterhouse of San Giacomo. The complex consists of a tall tower fortified building that rises close to the portico of the church. There are several rooms in which the Carthusian monastery is divided, built according to the concept in which men and women could not meet.

Outside stands a building once used as a pharmacy and church where women could attend mass. Another room, however, was devoted entirely to the monks and guests. Here stood stables, granaries and workshops where the monks worked hard for the sustenance of the entire abbey. Consider, in fact, that each Carthusian monastery was an enclosed and independent place that produced almost everything necessary for the subsistence of the monks. There are also two cloisters: a Cloister Large, bordered by a Renaissance-style portico with arches rising from stone columns. In the center, a green area totally immersed in silence is adorned with avenues arranged to form special geometric patterns. The Small Cloister, on the other hand, features a portico with marble columns in the Romanesque style, from which round arches rise.

As we have already mentioned currently one wing of the building houses the classrooms of the High School Classical Capri while the rooms that once constituted the refectory rooms, where monks gathered in prayer and ate the day's meals, are now home to the museum Diefenbach. On display here are the works of painter Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, who lived on the island during the early 20th century. The artist is considered one of the leading exponents of European Symbolist painting, a style in which he executed his magnificent works. Many were inspired precisely by Capri's environments, the perfect balance between the islanders' lives and nature, exhibited since 1975 in the rooms of the Certosa di San Giacomo.

Important things to know about the Charterhouse of St. James

During the hot summer months, the Charterhouse comes alive with irresistible events such as concerts, art exhibitions and performances. Set at a fairly high point among the gardens of the Carthusian Monastery of St. James are arranged several points from which one can enjoy a panorama really impressive overlooking the Faraglioni and on the sea of the Gulf of Naples.

Historical background and interesting facts about the Charterhouse of St. James

The Charterhouse of St. James was built at the behest of Count Giacomo Arcucci in 1371. The count was the Grand Camerario of Queen Giovanna I of Anjou, who granted the land on which the monumental complex stands today.

It is said that the earl Arcucci, was unable to conceive children for a long time. So the man vowed to build a monastery as soon as he was able to have an heir. Finally the count had two sons and kept his word by having the monastery erected for the island of Capri. Following one of the many pirate raids that on several occasions damaged the island of Capri and its buildings, the Carthusian monastery was renovated and expanded by the Carthusians, who added a cloister to the building. During the reign of General Joachim Murat, the Carthusian monastery was confiscated from the monks and was first used as a barracks and hospital until between 1868 and 1898 it became a penal colony for military personnel and rebellious anarchists. Years of decay followed an initial revival in 1936, when the Carthusian monastery became a gymnasium.

Since 1975 it has been home to the Diefenbach Museum. During the early 2000s the rooms were once again restored while in 2014 it became part of the property managed by MIBACT.