Colonia

Colonia is the eau de Cologne that founded Acqua di Parma in 1916 and remains the house's emblematic fragrance. This citrus classic opens on lemon, sweet orange and Calabrian bergamot, moves through an aromatic heart of lavender, Bulgarian rose, verbena and rosemary, and settles on vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli.

Brand: Acqua Di Parma
Launch year: 1916
Gender: Unisex
Olfactory family: Citrus
Secondary family: Aromatic
Concentration: Eau de Cologne

Published September 16, 2026

Where to buy

Colonia is Acqua di Parma's first fragrance, created in Parma in 1916 at the initiative of Baron Carlo Magnani. Its freshness contrasted with the rich, sweet fragrances of the time; its success gave rise to the house, which made it its emblem.

It first spread through tailors, who used it to scent bespoke suits. In the 1950s, Hollywood actors such as Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn adopted it and made it a symbol of Italian elegance.

Acqua di Parma today presents Colonia as the expression of a refined Italian character and a modern, urban art of living.

The Art Deco bottle

Colonia is sold in the Art Deco-inspired bottle characteristic of Acqua di Parma, in clear glass, with a black cap and white labels. Its cylindrical box carries the bright yellow that serves as Acqua di Parma's signature.

Olfactory pyramid

Top notesThe first minutes
Heart notesThe heart of the perfume
Base notesWhat lingers

Composition

Read the full composition

What critics say

Critics hold Colonia to be a model. Trine Mork, on the blog Scent Gourmand, sees it as the prototype of the citrus Cologne, which she respects without adopting it; Varanis Ridari, on The Scented Devil, makes it the template for Mediterranean Colognes with aromatic herbs.

Read what critics say