Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Heaven Scent — A perfect alchemy of art and aroma at the world’s oldest pharmacy
The city of Florence is an open-air museum where the surrounding art and architecture imbue quotidian moments with beauty, a constant reminder of the city’s dazzling history. Although thoroughly modern, a reverence for tradition endures here and Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella stands as a crowning example. Discreetly tucked around the corner from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, just out of the bustle of the nearby train station, is its understated entrance that offers no hint as to the beauty that awaits beyond.
Its origins began in 1221, when Dominican Friars arrived in Florence and converted Santa Maria delle Vigne into a monastery, and eventually the city’s first great basilica, Santa Maria Novella. The monks experimented with alchemy, eventually creating an apothecary in the adjoining cloister. The medicinal herbs and flowers from their cloistered garden were utilized in remedies ranging from potions to combat the plague to herbal fixes for “female hysteria.” Word of their work spread beyond the monastery’s walls intriguing noblewoman Catherine de’ Medici who later commissioned the iconic Acqua della Regina, Water of the Queen in 1533, it’s oldest perfume and the first to incorporate alcohol. Also known as Acqua di Santa Maria Novella—it was created to capture the essence of her beloved Florence and commemorate her marriage to Henry II of Valois, future King of France — It ended up enchanting the French court, spreading the legend of this Florentine institution across Europe. In 1612, the apothecary officially opened to the public as Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
Step inside today, and the ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. Through the unassuming glass door you enter a foyer adorned with seasonally changing blooms leading to a series of opulently decorated rooms. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow across soaring frescoed ceilings, the celestial scenes echoing the sacred origins of this former monastery. Antique wooden cabinets house delicate glass decanters and hand-labeled apothecary jars, their lustrous patina gleaming under gilded accents. Wooden and marble-topped tables display rows of elegantly packaged products enticing you to see, smell and sample. It leaves no option but for you to slow down and sink into the moment.
Despite the passage of time, the pharmacy remains dedicated to tradition and natural ingredients. Although production facilities have moved (though still within Florence) and innovative production methods have been incorporated, its products are still crafted using time-honored methods, ancient recipes and natural ingredients. Take, for example, Alchermes, a liqueur originally formulated to ease the pains of childbirth, which still follows its original recipe—including the use of coccinella, dried and crushed ladybugs, lending it a striking scarlet hue. While production has evolved with modern technology, each step remains deeply rooted in artisanal methods. Even something as simple as a bar of soap is treated with reverence—blended, aged for a month, then carefully hand-chiseled and wrapped in exquisite, locally made packaging.
“Even something as simple as a bar of soap is treated with reverence—blended, aged for a month, then carefully hand-chiseled and wrapped in exquisite, locally made packaging.”
Whether you are seeking an ancient elixir or modern indulgence, there is something for everyone. As you peruse the items for sale, each tell a story and reveal a part of Italy’s history: a rose distillate was one of its first products created to battle the spread of the plague, and now is used as a soothing rose water skin tonic. Aqua di Santa Maria Novella Elisir — Aqua Antisterica, harnesses the calming properties of a local herb once used to control hysterics, while the pungent Aceto dei Sette Ladri, Aromatic Vinegar (think ancient smelling salts) helped revive fainting souls. When you purchase one of these items, you acquire a small piece of Florentine history.
For me, I find a visit here is not just a shopping experience, but a place where the pursuit of beauty, past and present, meet. It’s a celebration of Florence’s legacy of craftsmanship and beauty. I used to stock up every time I visited, but they now ship worldwide (and have other locations — but all incomparable to the original shop), allowing anyone to bring a piece of this Florentine treasure into their daily self-care ritual, no matter where they are. Much like Florence itself, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a place that calls you back—time and time again.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Via della Scala, 16, Florence, Italy
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