Santa Maria Novella - Florence.

Deb Smithers
Apr 21
4 min read

Updated: Jun 24

Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella,

The world's oldest Apothecary.

My adventure through Italy was a whirlwind, particularly for someone experiencing their first trip to Europe. Coming from a modern and young nation like Australia, and visiting cities like Paris, Rome & Prague felt as though I was living a dream. The country's ancient history and architecture are unimaginably magnificent.

One city that truly captured my heart was the stunning city of Florence. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, and it boasts unmatched beauty. Its breathtaking architecture and rich artistic legacy make every part of Florence radiate charm and history.

I was captivated upon my arrival and beginning my journey around this elegant city of Florence. Down the stunning streets of cobblestone adorned with pastel hues and distinctive detail, Florence is filled with beauty and romance.

Down the stunning cobblestone streets of this elegant city of Florence. adorned with pastel hues and distinctive details. Florence is filled with beauty and romance.

I was eager to explore the museums, enjoy the opera, and savor the cuisine of Florence. However, I especially wanted to visit the under-the-radar attraction that is the

Santa Maria Novella Farmaceutica.

Santa Maria Novella is the world’s oldest Pharmacy/Apothecary. It was founded in 1221, when outcasts lived in Florence. The monks tried to defeat the Black Death, with one of its earliest preparations in 1380: using petals of roses to combat pestilence. Thus, 'Rose water' was born.

Today, the Florentine company produces award-winning beauty products inspired by botanicals, attracting a mass following. The beautiful Santa Maria Novella is an Apothecary selling lotions, potions, and nostrums.

In the 16th century, when Catherine de Medici became Queen of France, she brought Florentine customs to the royal court. One was the wearing of perfume, and she commissioned the Dominican monks to create a fragrance in her honor, “Eau de la Reine.”

It represents the first time that alcohol (and not olive oil or vinegar) was used in the preparation of perfumes. Today, the fragrance, called Acqua di S. M. Novella in Italian, is one of their best-selling perfumes.

Another product that was created in the 17th century was Pot Puri, a mixture of buds, leaves, and flowers typical of the Tuscan hills. Today, the imperial houses of Japan purchase their products from Santa Maria Novella, and have a high position in the market. They are carrying on the traditions of the monks with innovations in their laboratories.

The Santa Maria Novella's range of products are requisite, including Pasta di Mandorle, a hand moisturizer containing almond paste. The Acqua di Colonia fragrance which is filled with violets, and skincare that is made with milk thistle and apple stem extract. Adding to the delectable products is their signature Freesia cream, that is only made at the Santa Maria Novella Apothecary.

Handcrafted luxury perfumes, soaps, beauty products, and other items are created using traditional techniques from the Old World. The soaps are made by hand and then placed on clapboards for 30 days before being wrapped by hand. This method ensures these distinctive soaps last 3-4 times longer.

They aim to always increase the level of quality. Many of the products are made with 'Irises', which are the symbol of Florence, and comes at a cost of $ 32,000 per litre, but customers immediately recognize the quality of each product.

It operates 75 stores, one of which is located in New York. They do not engage in any advertising, instead depending entirely on word-of-mouth from their highly enthusiastic customers. It is a mecca for beauty junkies and lovers of history with more than 2000 visitors a day visiting the shop on Via Della Scala.

The Santa Maria Novella, also has an incredible museum containing early books offering an alchemist's view on how to combat the Bubonic plague. Guests can view the original pharmaceutical pottery, which dates back as far as the 16th century, and see soap machines that were still in use up to the year 2000.

I sat in their beautiful tearoom, surrounded by delightful scents, pondering whether I would ever pay $600 for a small bottle of perfume.

However, this is Santa Maria Novella Apothecary,

and I am in Florence,

so I left without any guilt, carrying my small silk-ribboned gift bag,

and a grin from ear to ear.

I travelled by train from Italy to Florence and it was a fantastic trip. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views while making your journey. Once settled, getting around town on foot is relatively easy, but watch those loose cobblestones. The locals are fairly friendly, and happy to help if you need assistance. The tram from Rosselli to Valfonda - Stazione takes about 5 minutes and leaves the station every 10 minutes.

There is much to experience while in Florence, the city is absolutely magnificent. While there don't forget to visit -

Visit the Palazzo Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David, the iconic sculpture of the Renaissance.