About Ortigia
Born on the island
A small Italian soap and scent company founded in Sicily — formulated with natural products indigenous to the island, inspired by the aesthetics, colours and scents of its most historic and tropical region.
01
The name
The name Ortigia comes from the small island that lies at the edge of the ancient fortified city of Siracusa, on Sicily’s southeastern coast. The streets of Ortigia are crumbling baroque façades of great splendour looking out on three sides to the sea. The Piazza del Duomo is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. This part of the island is known as “la Sicilia Orientale” because of its proximity to Africa and almost tropical climate.
02
Flora & ingredients
In the rich volcanic soil of Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano – there are hundreds of orange and lemon groves – the only place where blood oranges grow – also grapefruit trees, almonds, pistachios, saffron, vines, olives and cactus.
03
Lorenzo Villoresi
The perfumes are distilled from the flowers of Sicily by master perfumer, Lorenzo Villoresi. The base of all the products is natural perfume and natural ingredients: olive oil, vegetable glycerine, and organic colours. No sls, nickel or silicone; products not tested on animals.
04
Small family makers
Paraben-free, the range uses traditional products with modern ethics and integrity. All Ortigia products are made by small family companies who pride themselves on the quality of their products.
05
Sue Townsend’s packaging
Ortigia was founded in Sicily by Sue Townsend. The highly decorative packaging is designed by Sue Townsend and draws on exotic Sicilian images and colours.
06
A layered history
Sicily is enriched with a colourful history of conquest, invasion and assimilation. Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Hohenstaufens, Angevins, Aragonese and Bourbons all left their mark. The island’s uniquely rich and layered culture has inspired the creation of the Ortigia range.