Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a perfumery-pharmacy founded in 1221 with a convent of Dominican friars. Now known as the oldest pharmacy in the world, it is famous for its remedies and perfumes, which represent the best of the pharmaceutical art handed down through eight centuries of Florentine history. Don't miss out on the products by the historic pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the world's oldest pharmacy. Founded as a Dominican friary in 1221, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica today is considered one of the most important niche perfume houses in the world. Its legacy in the art of the apothecary spans eight centuries and is deeply intertwined with the history, personalities and social fabric of Florence.
It all began 800 years ago when the Dominican friars were granted the use of Santa Maria Inter Vineas, a small church just outside the city walls of Florence. Here they cultivated a botanical garden of aromatic herbs and plants to prepare medicines, ointments and balsams. In 1542, the pharmacy's doors were officially opened to the general public, and in 1612 it was formally recognised under the name of “Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica” by the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Over the centuries, illustrious Dominican personalities such as Angiolo Marchissi and Cosimo Bucelli directed the Officina, bringing to light traditional preparations and cosmetics for personal care. In the 20th century, the Officina was transformed into an important museum, becoming a tourist and cultural destination.
The fame of the Officina reached the five corners of the world, thanks to its traditional preparations, such as the Rose Water, created during the decades of the Black Death, and its cosmetic and personal care products such as perfumes, balms, ointments and soaps. Today, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is world-famous for its products and its “ancient preparations”. Its products win international acclaim and are appreciated by royal houses, artists and prominent personalities.
The production of perfumed waters has an ancient history, dating back as far as 1381. At that time, the decades of the black plague were particularly difficult for the afflicted populations, and it was for this reason that the Dominican friars began distilling Rose Water. This perfumed water was used both for personal care and to heal environments. It was generally taken together with wine or in pills.
The spirits were stored in glass cruets or copper containers, and customers bought them with jugs for pouring. This custom continued until the end of the 19th century, but even today, the essence of this natural tonic is appreciated for its toning, refreshing and purifying properties, elevating it to a preparation with numerous cosmetic benefits. Made with distilled Damascena rose water, the naturally fragrant infusion soothes and calms the skin, while the formulation gives a fresh and astringent effect. Now available as tonic in two sizes: 500 and 250 ml.
Legend has it that in 1533, the young Catherine de' Medici chose Renato Bianco, raised by the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella, as her personal perfumer at the French Court, where she was about to marry Henry II of Valois. It was on this occasion that 'Acqua della Regina' was born: a fragrance to recall the elegance and grace of Florence. Today's Acqua della Regina is a tribute to that gift: a citrusy discovery, a bewitching essence. Today Acqua della Regina is available as Eau de Cologne, Fluid Cream, Diffuser, Foam shower gel, Liquid Soap and even Scented Wax Tablets; so you can enjoy this wonderful fragrance the way you like it best.
Discover with us the world of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella and immerse yourself in the alchemy of tales and wonders of this extraordinary maison.
50 ml is an official online retailer of Santa Maria Novella. Has Santa Maria Novella won you over or do you want to try other niche perfumes? Don't miss the large selection of artistic fragrances on our website. We would like to remind you that at 50 ml you can request free samples with every order you place: just enter your preferences at check-out! Or you can try Santa Maria Novella perfumes in Milan, in our store in Viale Montenero 16. 50 ml offers you the possibility to buy samples of Santa Maria Novella and the best niche perfumes: create your own Santa Maria Novella Discovery Kit, try them all and find the one that suits you best! The best niche perfume samples are waiting for you!
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