Est. Sorrento, Italy 1775
250 Years of
Light
Candles for Kings, Queens, the Vatican, and the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Est. Sorrento, Italy 1775
Candles for Kings, Queens, the Vatican, and the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The Ajello candle making tradition began in 1775 in Sorrento, Italy. For five generations, the family has maintained an unbroken chain of craftsmanship, serving an elite clientele that spans from the Vatican to the White House, and from European Royalty to Hollywood legends.
Founded by Rafael Ajello's ancestors and brought to America in 1862 by Antonino Ajello Sr., the family business stands as one of the oldest continuously operating candle making dynasties in the United States.
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Antonino Ajello Sr. (c. 1848-1938)
Just ten years after founding, Ajello received the ultimate ecclesiastical endorsement: a commission to produce all candles for the Vatican ,establishing a standard of divine excellence.
The creation of the 18-foot memorial candle for Enrico Caruso, designed to burn for 1,800 years—a masterpiece of engineering and art.
From the opening of the Waldorf Astoria shop to serving modern studios, Ajello candles have lit up the Golden Age of cinema.
Visit the House of Candles in Culver City, where the 5th generation continues the family tradition.
Visit House of Candles