Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra (Antonio Alessandria) 2025 +A Sacred Rain That Never Ends Giveaway

Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra 

Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra, artwork by Ermano

The storm came three days in a row. No one could explain it. The sculptor had planned to leave with his crucifix carved in cherry wood; his work was finished, and his path was clear. But each time he tried, the sky closed in with rain and wind, the kind of weather that feels like a premonition. In a small church on the slopes of Mount Etna, the crucifix remained. Centuries later, it still does. From that moment, suspended somewhere between history and miracle, Antonio Alessandria found the inspiration for a fragrance. He didn’t try to recreate the legend. He let it breathe. Its name is Pluvia Sacra.

In 1540, a sculptor named Giovanni Antonio Matinati was traveling through the Sicilian interior bearing a cherry wood crucifix, solemn, and carved with care, destined for another village, deeper into the island. He sought shelter in Randazzo’s Church of San Martino, laying the crucifix down only until the road cleared. But the next morning, and the morning after, and again the next, storms descended in defiance of departure. Rain fell, roads flooded, winds rose—three times, the sculptor tried to leave. Three times, he was turned back. The townspeople saw not chance, but divine insistence. The crucifix was meant to remain. And so it did—enshrined in stone, named Crocifisso della Pioggia, the Crucifix of the Rain, still venerated to this day.

The Crucifix of the rain

The Crucifix of the rain in Randazzo’s Church of Saint Martin, Sicily via wiki

Antonio Alessandria has distilled this legend into Pluvia Sacra, not by leaning on incense or churchy cliché, but through a composition that moves like the storm itself: sudden, tender, inevitable. In his narration, this perfume is about the smell of age-old wood, the comfort in the legend, and the unexpected sprinkling of holy rain, a blessing twist that makes everything bourgeon. Being close friends with Antonio, I had the chance to smell the work in progress, but I only got to experience the final release at the official launch cocktail party he hosted during Esxence last February.

The opening is a vivid impression of a drenched volcanic landscape. The citrus is luminous and wild with bittersweet, bracing fruitiness: Calabrian bergamot and grapefruit. But it’s not brightness that leads; it’s awakening. Weedy galbanum and watery celery seed add green sharpness, vegetal crunch, and an almost feral vitality, like jarred saplings and branches trembling under rainfall. Hints of petrichor whiff in, the earthy breath that rises when water touches sunbaked ground, and there is something deeper still, a tremble in the air, the moment when stillness breaks, and a solemn unfolding begins.

These initial moments feel alive with movement: mineral, aromatic, and invigorating, as if the first drops of rain were slicing through a landscape thirsty for life. Cutting through this vibrant greenness is a faintly powdery, almondy delicacy, reminiscent of cherry blossom petals and pollen, an ethereal nod to the cherry wood crucifix at the heart of the legend. This also mingles with the sawdust texture of Virginian cedarwood, dry and impalpable, that cuts through the sparkling humidity like the dense glow of dust from old walls and woods floating in the air and filling the light, cutting through with a dense diffraction effect.

perfumer Antonio Alessandria

Antonio Alessandria with Ermano during the Pluvia Sacra official cocktail party in Milan

But Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra does not linger in the storm. It shifts as swiftly as the end of a summer shower. Into this reverent calm, the blossoms don’t scream their presence but hover with the olive-oil density of jasmine and the solar milkiness of white petals. More than a bouquet, these florals mingle into a halo, a soft exhale after the bedlam, the scent of peace settling in a sanctuary still echoing with thunder.

And then, the beauty of sandalwood is magnified by the accord composed by Antonio Alessandria, built primarily from amyris wood, with its sweet, balsamic warmth and roasted, powdery, almost cookie-like facets. Its peppery freshness recalls the green dimension of Mysore sandalwood, bringing depth and elegance while supporting the fragrance’s introspective soul. Reinterpreting this sacred material, traditionally used for sculpting deities, the scent flows with the smoothness of something shaped by time and steeped in reverence.

 Amyris – Flore médicale des Antilles, ou, Traité des plantes usuelles : des colonies Françaises, Anglaises, Espagnoles et Portugaises – M.E. & J.T. Descourtilz (1827)

A gentle touch of amber folds into the base, along with natural vanilla and a veil of musk. These notes do not assert themselves; they comfort, like a hand resting on the shoulder or the low flicker of a candle in the gloom of a quiet chapel. There’s the peaceful powderiness of vanilla, addictive although sugar-free, a sweet belief that something greater holds the weight for us when we cannot.

Pluvia Sacra by Antonio Alessandria

 Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra flacons on display during the official lunch cocktail party. photo Ermano

What sets Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra apart is its restraint. It does not aim to impress in the first five minutes. It is a fragrance that stays, one that lingers on skin the way stories linger in stone, quietly demanding to be remembered.

When raindrops touch the earth, they bring with them the promise of new life… after life’s storms, there is always hope for a new beginning.”— Antonio Alessandria

In a world fractured by noise, by conflict, by intolerance, by war, by the constant need to speak louder than the next voice, Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra offers something altogether different: a pause. It is a moment of stillness carved into scent, a quiet held gently between the chaos, where memory, reverence, and beauty can rise unhurried to the surface. Through the sensitive mastery of Antonio Alessandria turns a tale into olfactory meditation, a way of anchoring oneself to what is sacred, enduring, and human. And in times like these, that might be exactly what we need.

Notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Galbanum, Celery Seeds, Earthy Notes, Lily of the valley, Jasmine, White Flowers, Sandalwood, Amyris, Cedarwood Virginia, Vanilla, Amber, Musks

Flacon gifted by Antonio Alessandria – thank you so much! My opinions are my own.

Ermano Picco, Editor

Pluvia Sacra by Antonio Alessandria Parfums

Official Brand Photo

Thanks to the generosity of Antonio Alessandria Parfums we have one 50 ml bottle Pluvia Sacra  for one registered reader in the U.S. or EU only. You must be registered or your comment will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment on Ermano’s review of Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra, where you live and if you are familiar with Antonio Alessandria Parfums. Draw closes  4/4/2025

Antonio Alessandria received our Best of Scent Artisan Perfumer-Ermano and Michelyn 2022

Please read the 3 Antonio Alessandria Perfumes you Should be wearing, Gattopardo, Fleurs et Flammes and Far  by Lauryn.

Steven included Rusty Vibes which was created for CafleureBon’s 10th anniversary in his top top 10 tropical perfumes review and 3 unique summer fragrances 2024

Indigo Perfumery carries most of the brand but some are sold out. Perfumology also carries a selection including the popular Rusty Vibes

This is our Privacy Policy

Follow us on Instagram  @cafleurebonofficial @magnifiscent @antonio_alessandria_parfums

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


33 comments

  • If you want inspiration for a perfume (or anything really), THIS IS INSPIRATION! And during Lent too! I am in awe and in love. Thank you for an opportunity to win. In maryland.

  • LindenNoir says:

    The way Pluvia Sacra is described—moving like a storm, shifting from intensity to calm—feels almost cinematic. I love the idea of a fragrance that tells a story without relying on the usual incense-heavy “sacred” tropes. Instead, it seems alive, from the green sharpness of galbanum to the warmth of amyris and sandalwood. Definitely intrigued!
    EU

  • AromaAdventurer says:

    I wasn’t familiar with Antonio Alessandria’s work before, but this review makes me want to explore his creations. The contrast of rain-soaked earth, cherry wood, and florals sounds mesmerizing. I can almost feel the quiet reverence you describe, like stepping into a centuries-old church after a storm.

    I am from the EU

  • Lastochka says:

    What a beautifully written review! I love how you frame Pluvia Sacra as a scent that lingers, much like the legend behind it. The way it transitions from the mineral freshness of rain to the comforting embrace of wood and musk makes it sound like a deeply personal, contemplative fragrance.
    EU

  • FragranceFrenzyS says:

    The combination of galbanum, celery seed, and petrichor is so unusual and intriguing! It’s refreshing to see a sacred-inspired scent that focuses on nature’s raw power rather than smoky resins. This review paints such a vivid picture—I can almost smell the damp air and sunlit blossoms.
    Greetings from the EU, Germany.

  • A perfume that unfolds like a sacred pause, a moment of stillness between the storm and renewal… what a stunning concept. The legend behind Pluvia Sacra adds such depth to its composition. I’ve never tried Antonio Alessandria’s perfumes before, but this might be the perfect introduction.
    EU

  • I just love the story about the Crucifix of the Rain and how Antonio Alessandria found the inspiration for a fragrance.

    The part of Ermano’s review that spoke to me the most was “What sets Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra apart is its restraint. It does not aim to impress in the first five minutes. It is a fragrance that stays, one that lingers on skin the way stories linger in stone, quietly demanding to be remembered.”

    I’m not familiar with Antonio Alessandria perfumes, but I would love to be.

    EU

  • Jenna Park says:

    Wow this sounds like such a beautiful fragrance. The review makes Pluvia Sacra sound calming and peaceful not boisterous and loud. I love the story of the crucifix it speaks to me especially this time of year. The idea that there is a place in the world for something and you can’t force it because something bigger then us knows better like the storm preventing the crucifix from being moved. The story behind the fragrance is beautiful. The notes sound stunning bergamot white flowers vanilla and sandalwood. I imagine a perfect spring fragrance. I have not had the privilege of trying any Antonio Alessandria fragrances but I definitely am interested. Thank you, I am from Pennsylvania USA

  • Scentofme says:

    I like that Antonio Alessandria has distilled the Crucifix of the Rain legend into Pluvia Sacra, not by leaning on incense or churchy aromachemicals, but with a more unexpected approach. I haven’t yet tried anything from this house. I live in EU.

  • What a fascinating inspiration for a fragrance…and an equally intriguing translation of that inspiration into a scent. I only know Antonio Alessandria Parfums from ÇaFleureBon’s coverage of them. But as in earlier pieces on their fragrances, I am struck by the beauty of their bottles. I am in the US.

  • Pluvia Sacra sounds like a truly spiritual, immersive experience. I love all the facets Ermanno described: the citrus opening which immediately gives way to vegetal notes, then evolving with petrichor, with some gentle almond/pollen notes, white flowers and a veil of musk, vanilla and sandalwood. It all sounds like a whisper or a prayer, or like the presence of a miracle that cannot be explained by science, but which is obvious to anyone whose mind and heart are open.
    I was also very excited to read about the crocifisso della pioggia – didn’t know of its existence! Charming story – Italy is full of them.
    Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this! From EU.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Notes sound like like standing in the calm after a sacred storm, wrapped in tranquility and mystery. I’d love to win it because scents like this aren’t just worn; they become part of who we are. This one speaks to me, and I’d be honored to let it tell its story on my skin. Im from eu

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the lovely writeup, during the lenten season! I lvoed reading the story and the fragrance interpretation sounds like it was done with a lot of care.

    The use of cherry blossoms and sharp green notes really make this fragrance stand out in its storytelling.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • AleksCipri says:

    I am familiar with this house, but I was not able to sample any of them yet. Pluvia Sacra sounds so good and it reminded me I should really get some samples! I really love the idea of mineralic, citrusy, and aromatic fragrance, with sandalwood in the base. I really like the description of this fragrance, where Ermano mentions this fragrance brings a pause. I think we all need that! I’m from Illinois, US.

  • DAISY PEREZ says:

    I love looking at this articles i get to discover new Perfumers and Perfume houses. This is really intriguing. I would love to get my nose on this fragrance.
    Ermano’s review was amazing!!! enter me in this giveaway.

  • Ermano- your eloquent description is outstanding. I was easily able to imagine Pluvia Sacra. It will be fascinating to actually smell it in person.
    Now… off to place our order with Antonio!
    Thank you!

  • I’m in the USA and I’m not familiar with Antonio Alessandra Parfums. Aside from the gorgeous bottle I really enjoyed the storytelling behind this fragrance which is giving it a real sense of place.

  • What a lovely review. Oof I sure could use a peaceful, contemplative, gentle, inward turning creative fragrance right now! The world feels very upside down in a way that is more than usual and I’m at that age where I am taking care of my elders while my children are trying to “launch”, and in this economy? I feel for them! It’s a lot. Having something meditative and calmed down is just what the Dr ordered. I am in the USA. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

  • I have not tried Antonio Alessandria’s perfumes, but would love to. I loved the inspiration behind Pluvia Sacra and the scent sounds amazing. I especially liked the description: “the scent of peace settling in a sanctuary still echoing with thunder.” As a gardener, I am definitely familiar with that scent. Thanks for another fantastic review and draw. MI USA

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I’m unfamiliar with Antonio Alessandria Parfums works but am eager to try. I love the inspiration here and believe I can figuratively put myself there in that church to experience it. I also love the departure from typical churchy scents, into something warmer and void of Incense. I live in Oregon.

  • sherin thomas says:

    Lovely fragrance. The combination of galbanum, celery seed, and petrichor is so unusual and intriguing! It’s refreshing to see a sacred-inspired scent that focuses on nature’s raw power rather than smoky resins. From PA,USA

  • Eugenia Perez says:

    OMG this fragrance is a winner. I am not familiar with Antonio Alessandro’s perfumes. But this review is awesome. I’m already looking for a bottle on the web.

  • Rain has always felt like a sacred pause — a moment when the world breathes differently. The idea of ‘Pluvia Sacra’ as an endless sacred rain is beautifully poetic. I’m especially drawn to the incense note; it evokes a sense of spirituality and depth that I truly love in fragrances. Thank you for the opportunity! I am from Europe, Romania.

  • Another amazing release by Antonio Alessandria, who keeps on showing his craftmanship.
    I adore his perfumes and would absolutely love to get my hands on this.
    Riccardo, Italy

  • Nice review Ermano!. In these days close to Easter, the appearance of Pluvia Sacra by Sig. Alessandria is good news, especially because its sensibility distances it from the Churchey cliché. The story of Crocifisso della Pioggia offers us a meditative fragrance that doesn’t scream: an awakening opening with citrus, galbanum, and the smell of rain in the earth gives way to peaceful white flowers, ending with sandalwood, accompanied by a note I wasn’t familiar with, amyris wood, and a vanilla amber accord. In turbulent times, an introspective fragrance: many, many should wear it. I had the pleasure of receiving a decanter of Amado Mio a few years ago: a beautiful name for a rose/tobacco scent. I live in Spain, USA.

  • Max Corvinus says:

    Beautifully written! I could almost smell it from your words.

    As someone who enjoys rain and darkness, I can already see this perfume being a spring banger. I already have a bottle of Narciso Rodriguez For Him EDT that smells like the long-forgotten grave of a romantic poet in the rain, so Pluvia Sacra would be a worthy addition to my rainy scents. Truth be told, I expected, even wanted, a heavy dose of incense with the rain, but nevermind – I’m open to exploring artistic representations of rain that do not coincide with my dark tendencies.

    Overall, this sounds like a profoundly meditative scent, a scent you wear for yourself just to relish in its beauty. I’m not big on quiet skin scents, but this one may change my mind.

    I live in Croatia (EU).

  • What I find really alluring in this review is that Antonio Alessandria Pluvia Sacra offers something altogether different: a pause. It is a moment of stillness carved into scent, a quiet held gently between the chaos, where memory, reverence, and beauty can rise unhurried to the surface.
    Unfortunately, I’m not really familiar with Antonio Alessandria Parfums, but these are some I have on my “to try” list: Fleurs et Flammes, Nacre Blanche (because tuberose….) and Rusty Vibes – I’m a fan of everything tropical/coconut.
    EU

  • I’ve never tried anything from Antonio Alessandria before. I’ve wanted to but it has been difficult to come by a sample. Pluvia Sacra sounds perfect. Oftentimes, these religiously themed perfumes rely heavily on incense and I generally like that category. But Pluvia Sacra goes in a completely new direction with the theme. The rain must give it a solemn quality. It sounds truly beautiful.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • Beautiful notes, Ermano! I had not yet been introduced to Antonio Alessandria, and Pluvia Sacra’s “scent of peace settling in a sanctuary still echoing with thunder.” Reverent Sandalwood and Fresh green notes and comforting base notes sound like a beautiful homage to a peaceful Sicily scene. Would love to try (Fleure et Flammes also sparks my interest!). CA, USA

  • Ramses Perez says:

    This bottle is majestic and almost looks like an ancient relic. I love the way Ermano put it calling it a moment of stillness in a world of war as rain/earth does tend to provide a pause in our hectic lives. It’s a zen and comforting scent that gives way to a serene day. I particularly am a big fan of the vanilla to close out the fragrance as it is one of my favorite notes in perfumery. We do need scents like this one that provides us with a sense of tranquility, especially for the upcoming hot weather season. I’m located in the US.

  • Arian Jamali says:

    The blend of galbanum, celery seed, and petrichor is remarkably unique and captivating! It’s refreshing to encounter a sacred-themed fragrance that highlights nature’s untamed energy rather than smoky resins. This review is so vivid that I can almost sense the damp air and sunlit flowers. USA.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    I have not yet tried any of Antonio Alessandria’s fragrances, but dang, this sounds so good! Pluvia Sacra looks like a great fragrance with a fantastic personality. I loved the idea that due to this creation “narratives” the legend of Crucifix of the Rain with a deeply spiritual approach. I am intrigued by the awakening opening of citruses, the greeny and earthy notes giving a deep aronatic meditate stage combined with white floral and a peaceful powderiness of vanilla. Alone this sentence is an inspiration “When raindrops touch the earth, they bring with them the promise of new life… after life’s storms, there is always hope for a new beginning.”
    This is something I would love to try. Great review and presentation, you captured so many feelings in a Fragrance. Thank you for this Chance!
    I’m living in the EU.

  • WeAreScentient says:

    Such a beautiful and poetic review! Love Antonio Alessandria’s quote about raindrops. Water is that magical thing that has the possibility to hold everything in the world within it.
    Would love to smell this stunning perfume 🙂
    I’m still bublin in dublin as Jay Z didnt sing.