The Bottega del Ceraio is a leading specialist in the production of mosquito-repellent candles that get rid of that summer torment. We began to experiment in this field a long time ago, spurred on by an ecological need - to find a real alternative to chemical insecticides.

And so, thanks to this idea, here is an entire collection of citronella and geranium scented candles, natural essences with that pleasing aroma so disliked by insects. Depending on their shape and size, these candles can be used both inside the house and in the garden (and are also available in the form of liquid wax made with vegetable oil and citronella for lanterns or torch-flame lights). This year there are three great new ideas: Apogeo and Artù, elegant terracotta bowls with leather-effect decoration; Serena, mini mosquito repellants in a practical metal container; Allegra, new floating mosquito-repellant candles.

We use citronella essential oil from collinsonia plants that grow on the island of Java. These plants, from which citronella is extracted, are the most efficacious in the world. The extremely fine, rare essential oil of geranium, on the other hand, comes from the African geranium. This too is highly efficacious and has a more delicate scent.

They are also beautiful to look at in a variety of containers that we have created - in earthenware, glass and aluminium. Our candles offer hope... the hope of enjoying an evening without being irritated by insects. That hope is answered brilliantly.