"Gra-Car" is a unique liqueur produced by the monastery of Certosa di Pavia in Lombardy, Italy. This ancient monastery is renowned for making the famed Chartreuse liqueur, which is marketed under the name Gra-Car. Historically, the monastery's laboratory served multiple purposes: it functioned as a pharmacy (Pharmacia) and a perfumery (Profumeria) alongside the liqueur distillery. Over time, the distillery expanded and now fully occupies the space that once housed the laboratory.
A 1911 advertisement for Gra-Car highlights the storied history of the monastery's pharmacy, which was relocated in 1765 to the Great Court of Honor facing the Temple. This advertisement mentions that the pharmacy houses the Gra-Car Liqueur and Perfume Factory (GRAtiarum-CARthusia-Certosa de le Grazie). The monastery's special liqueur, known as Chartreuse, comes in various flavors such as yellow, green, and coffee. The ad also lists the perfumes produced by the monastery, including scents like Violet, Calycanthus (an exclusive specialty), Jasmine, and Rose, as well as various toilet waters and lotions of the same fragrances.
The monks of Certosa di Pavia engaged potteries like Ginori to create both large and small decorative bottles for their liqueur. The most attractive bottles were intended for tourists, while smaller bottles were designed to be easily packed into suitcases and bags, making them convenient souvenirs.
In the 1965 book "Montagne meravigliose: 13 tavole in fotocolor dell'autore" by Severino Casara, it is noted that the Carthusian fathers were not only involved in liqueur production but also in crafting delicate perfumes. These perfumes were made from essences extracted from mountain flowers, with the distillery situated in Fourvoirie, a short distance from the monastery.
An article from Harper's Bazaar in 1930 titled "Monastic Fragrances" introduces readers to the exquisite flower essences produced by the Gra Car profumi. These fragrances, made from secret formulas handed down through generations of monks, come directly from the beautiful old Carthusian monastery of Certosa di Pavia. The article illustrates two of these delightful scents, Mughuetto (Lily of the Valley), and Ciclamino (Cyclamen,) housed in charming little amphorae.
The perfumes of Gra Car:
- Mughuetto (Lily of the Valley)
- Gelsomino (Jasmine)
- Ciclamino (Cyclamen)
- Violetta (Violet)
- Rosa (Rose)
- Calycanthus
- Acqua di Lavanda (Lavender)
- Acqua di Pavia
Please see attached photo for image of ad. I have also included a 1925 ad as well.
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