The Certosa di San Giacomo, also known as the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, is a Carthusian monastery on Capri, in the Bay of Naples. It stands at Via Certosa 40 in Capri town, and it was founded in the 14th century as a place of monastic life for the Carthusian order.
The complex is often described as one of the oldest and best-preserved monastic sites in Italy. Walking through its cloisters and gardens gives a sense of how the community lived and worked, with calm courtyards and quiet corners set apart from the busier streets of the island.
What to see
- The historic cloisters, open to visitors and well suited to a slow walk.
- The gardens, which add green space and views within the monastery walls.
- The museum, which houses Roman antiquities and paintings.
Planning your visit
The monastery is in the town of Capri itself, so it is easy to combine with a stroll through the historic centre. Because it is a working heritage site with a museum, it makes a good stop for travellers interested in history and art rather than a long excursion. For current details on visiting, you can call +39 081 8376218 before you go.
Capri's old town and its surrounding paths offer further places to explore once you have finished at the monastery, so it fits neatly into a day spent on the island.