Charterhouse of St. James

Located a short walk from the famous Piazzetta and nestled between the Castiglione and Monte Tuoro, the Charterhouse of San Giacomo is one of the most important historic buildings on the island of Capri.

It was built in 1371 at the behest of Count Giacomo Arcucci, Grand Chamberlain of Queen Joanna I of Anjou, and suffered several damages due to pirate raids in the 16th century. Restoration work lasted until 1636, and under French rule the ancient walls of the Carthusian monastery were used as barracks, a hospital and, until 1898, a penal bath for anarchists and military personnel. In 1927 an extensive restoration project was put in place by Superintendent Gino Chierici, who sought to restore the structures of the ancient 14th-century monastery to their former glory. Since 1975, the refectory rooms of the Certosa di San Giacomo have housed the works of Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, an exponent of late 19th-century European Symbolist painting who stayed on Capri until 1913, the date of his death.

During the summer months, the spaces of the Charterhouse of St. James are used to host large events, concerts and outdoor performances.