Tempio d’Acqua by Casamorati: An Italian Reverie of Light and Serenity
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
The stories told by Casamorati are always unmistakably transportive. Rooted in heritage yet articulated with a contemporary sensibility, each creation feels like a vignette – a moment suspended between past and present, memory and imagination. With Tempio d’Acqua, the brand once again turns to its Italian soul.
Tempio d'Acqua / Brand’s image
Presented in Paris during an elegant evening that celebrated both artistry and connection, the launch carried a deeper resonance than a typical unveiling. It was not just about a fragrance, but about continuity – of culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Founded in 1888, Casamorati was once a prominent name in Italian perfumery before disappearing in the years following the Second World War. Sergio Momo, the founder of the brand, saw in Casamorati something worth rescuing: a brand that aligned perfectly with his own philosophy, where fragrance was only part of a larger artistic vision that included design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Reviving the house meant more than bringing back a name – it was about continuing a tradition of storytelling through scent.
“Casamorati always tells Italian stories. Every perfume is based on either a vintage or a modern Italian story,” Momo explained during the event. That philosophy feels particularly alive in Tempio d’Acqua, a scent that channels not just a place, but a way of experiencing beauty.
Sergio Momo / Photo credit: Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
The inspiration behind Tempio d’Acqua is as evocative as the scent itself. As the brand describes, “In the hills not far from Parma, Italy, lies a natural spa that is a masterpiece of architecture… designed to connect man with the healing properties of nature — and to serve as a reminder of her abundant beauty.” This vision of harmony – between body, nature, and art – becomes the fragrance’s emotional core. You can almost picture the softly illuminated interiors, adorned with blooming flora, mythological figures, and vibrant stained glass. Even the bottle of this perfume contributes to this visual.
I first encountered Tempio d’Acqua last September, during a presentation in Cannes. While my personal highlight from that preview was Gibeon, this creation was a very close second, and I found myself holding my breath until its official release.
Photo credit: Darius Damulis
On skin, Tempio d’Acqua opens with a luminous, almost playful brightness. Juicy peach intertwines with bergamot and mandarin, creating a sparkling introduction that feels instantly uplifting. It is fruity, yet refined – never becoming excessively sweet. Instead, it captures that effortless Mediterranean lightness.
The heart introduces a more intriguing dimension. Fennel adds a subtle aromatic twist, while cistus brings a resinous softness. At the center is Mahonial – a modern floral molecule reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley or magnolia – lending a fine floral quality that feels both clean and quietly radiant.
As the fragrance settles, ambroxan, vanilla, and myrrh form a soft, enveloping base. It is comforting without weight, warm without heaviness – a delicate balance that allows the scent to remain airy and fluid throughout its evolution.
The launch event / Brand’s photo
This is where Casamorati – and Xerjoff more broadly – demonstrates its mastery. Tempio d’Acqua is undeniably easy to wear, effortlessly appealing, and quietly addictive. During Paris Perfume Week, I wore it repeatedly and was asked about it multiple times – always a telling sign. While fragrance is ultimately personal, compliments are always a welcome echo.
Above all, Tempio d’Acqua feels like summer distilled into scent. Bright, tranquil, and gently luminous, it never overwhelms or cloys. Instead, it invites you into its world – a space of calm, beauty, and sensory escape.
Or, as the evening in Paris subtly suggested, a reminder that the language of beauty – much like fragrance itself – needs no translation.