Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella in Florence
Would you like to visit an old apothecary that has been in business for over 700 years? In Florence there is a special place, where you can immerse yourself in a world of natural aromas, perfumes and cosmetics, surrounded by art and history. It is the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica of Santa Maria Novella, the oldest historical pharmacy in Europe.
History of Santa Maria Novella pharmacy
The history of the pharmacy is deeply linked to that of the nearby church of Santa Maria Novella and to the Dominican friars who have lived there since the 14th century. Already in 1381 the friars were selling pharmaceutical products obtained with medicinal plants grown in their herbal garden. Rose water was used as a disinfectant during pandemics.
Since then, in addition to medicines, the apothecary also produced perfumes, for which it became very famous throughout Europe. In 1500 the laboratory created for Catherine de ‘Medici, Queen of France, the Acqua della Regina, with the aroma of bergamot. This perfume is still on sale today, as many other other ones as ancient as this one.
The old pharmacy was housed in the ancient chapel of San Niccolò, decorated with medieval frescoes. However, the rooms were completely refurbished in the 18th century to adapt to modern times. A sales room was thus created, a salon where people could taste coffee and chocolate, and a room for the apothecary.
However, the old sacristy of the chapel remains. It has not been modified and still has the beautiful frescoes made by Mariotto di Nardo between 1385 and 1405
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella went through many changes over the centuries, and today it is no longer managed by the Dominican friars… But is still active and still produces the same perfumes, cosmetics and herbal products of the past.
Visiting this place is a fantastic experience! Both for the beauty of the rooms, with painted vaults and ceramic jars from the 1500s, and for the magnificent floral decorations. And of course you can buy their timeless products!
Original products by Santa Maria Novella pharmacy
The old pharmacy is famous for some cosmetic products and perfumes with an ancient history. The most famous and oldest is the Acqua della Regina (water of the queen) perfume which was created in 1533 for Caterina de ‘Medici, who brought it with her to Paris when she married Henry II.
Another very famous perfume is Acqua di Santa Maria Novella Elisir: it was born in 1614 as an anti-hysterical water, to fight the most famous non-existent disease of the past, hysteria. Today it has changed its name and is appreciated for its delicious fragrance.
One of the most popular products produced by Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is the famous moisturizing and soothing cream Idralia. Highly recommended!
You can also buy the products online, on the official website.
Info for visiting the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella
If you want to visit the old pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, here are some practical info. The pharmacy is very close to the church of Santa Maria Novella, less than a 5 minutes walk. It’s open every day of the year from 10 am to 7 pm.
- The entrance is in via della Scala 16.
- Entrance is free
- Opening hours: 10-19, 7 days a week
- Official website and online shop
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella private tour
During the private tour I will show you all the rooms of the old pharmacy, telling you the long history of this place. I will show you the most important paintings and ancient scientific instruments on display... And of course we will admire the frescoes from the 1300s in the old sacristy.
This tour is a perfect addition to a visit to the church of Santa Maria Novella!
Info about the tour:
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Meeting point: at the obelisk right in front of the facade of the church, in piazza Santa Maria Novella
- Included: your local licensed tour guide: me!
Usually I give the tour of the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica paired with the Santa Maria Novella church tour. The church tour lasts 2 hours, the visit to the Apothecary will add 30 extra minutes to it.
Feel free to contact me to get more info about this tour, prices and to book your own tour using the form below:
