San Giacomo Monastery, Capri, Italy

Certosa di San Giacomo is a Carthusian monastery on the island of Capri. Count Giacomo Arcucci, a secretary to Joan I of Naples, established the charterhouse in 1371. He later became a monk himself in 1386. In 1553 the monastery was restored and fortified and a tower was erected which collapsed in the 18th century.

There was often conflict between the islanders and the monks, who owned land as well as grazing and hunting rights. During the 1656 plague in Capri, the monks sealed themselves off, whereupon the islanders threw their corpses over the wall of the monastery in retribution.

Since 1974 the charterhouse houses the Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach museum among others and is used for cultural events. A high school is also on the premises.

The charterhouse has three main areas: the pharmacy and women's church, the buildings for monks, and those for guests. The cloister (Chiostro Grande) is of a late Renaissance design, while the Chiostro Piccolo features Roman marble columns.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Andy Baker (5 months ago)
Far away from the crowds, this is an amazing wonder! Art, history, gardens and a breath taking view. 100% would recommend. It's quiet and serene. Just wonderful.

Will Missen (5 months ago)
Really exceptional. So peaceful away from the crowds of Capri. There was a great art exhibition, an amazing 17thc church, some cloisters, and an exhibition of frescos from Pompei and Roman statues mostly on loan from the Napoli Archeological Museum. Great views and a really special experience. Don’t listen to the views saying it’s empty - they must have just been unlucky and gone when a film was being shot, the exhibition was under refurbishment, etc. :)

Karina Ayala (2 years ago)
Totally worth visiting

Cintia Cs (2 years ago)
We expected something to see here. We sadly paid 7€ for walking through a primarily empty building. It has plenty of potential to be kept for something, however we didn't expect such emptiness for Capri. I suppose it can be perfect for venues or something. Not worth the visit otherwise.

Gea Email (2 years ago)
beautiful walk and magical location. Away from Capri unbearable over tourism.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

San Giacomo Monastery

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople