Certosa di San Giacomo

About the museum

The Certosa di San Giacomo was built between 1371 and 1374 on the initiative of Giacomo Arcucci and is the most important architectural monument of the Angevin period on the island of Capri. In the 16th century it suffered pirate raids; in the 19th century it was used for military purposes, and between the two world wars it was restored. The Carthusian monks left it in 1961, and in the 1970s the complex became a museum centre.

The monastery is organised into a high house, with church, refectory, cloisters and the prior's apartment, and a low house for services. Around it extend a garden and a Mediterranean park with a view of the Faraglioni.

The complex houses the National Archaeological Museum of Capri, opened on 26 July 2024, which presents about 120 finds from the Augustan and Tiberian ages, largely from the island, and the Museo Diefenbach, housed there since 1974 and devoted to the paintings of the German artist Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, who lived on Capri.

Highlights

• Cloisters and rooms of the 14th-century Carthusian monastery
• National Archaeological Museum of Capri with finds from the Augustan and Tiberian ages
• Museo Diefenbach with paintings by Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach
• Garden and Mediterranean park with a view of the Faraglioni

Permanent exhibitions

• Museo archeologico nazionale di Capri – About 120 finds from the Augustan and Tiberian ages, including marble sculptures, frescoes and pottery, largely discovered on the island.
• Museo Diefenbach – Paintings by the German painter Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, who lived on Capri.

Founded

1371

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Musei e Parchi archeologici di Capri

Visitors per year

approx. 26,347

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Museum Sunday (“Domenica al museo”): first Sunday of the month.

The ticket includes the National Archaeological Museum of Capri and the Museo Diefenbach. Tickets are bought at the ticket office, online on the Musei Italiani portal, or at the vending machine at the entrance. Free admission also for the categories provided for by the Ministry of Culture.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the website, the Certosa di San Giacomo and Casa Rossa are accessible; the multimedia supports are designed for accessibility, with subtitles and signposted routes. Guide dogs for blind and partially sighted visitors are always admitted.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the Piazzetta the Certosa can be reached on foot in about 15–20 minutes, passing along Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Federico Serena, or along Via Camerelle and Via Ignazio Cerio.

Amenities & dining

Large suitcases and backpacks are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit