If you are interested in all things traditional, historic, well-made, and beautiful then a luxury villa in Florence is always going to be a good idea. The city, as a whole, is an exceptional beauty that boasts the most extraordinary architectural gems, museums filled with world-famous works of art and stunning objects made in Tuscany throughout history, elegant eateries and bars, luxurious apartments and villas, perfectly manicured gardens, workshops in which incredible goods are still made by hand, lavish boutiques in which you can buy said luxury goods, and much more besides. Tradition is alive and well alongside contemporary life and is embraced by the city and its occupants. If you are interested in dipping your toe into how life used to be lived and experience it, and the beautiful, lasting, non-disposable items that went with it, for yourself then heading to Florence is an excellent plan. Come and buy the most wonderful, unique, and well-made souvenirs from delicious delicacies to leather goods and everything in between.
One particularly important spot for those interested in the history and tradition of beautiful products in Florence is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This stunning gem is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world and was founded in 1221 by Dominican monks upon their arrival in Florence. Using medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens, they initially made medications, balms and pomades for their own infirmary. Over the years, however, word managed to sneak out about the products made inside the monastery and demand for the goods that they made began to grow. In 1612, it was decided to open the pharmacy to the public under the leadership of Father Angiolo Marchissi, who was bestowed the title of His Royal Highness' Foundry by the Grand Duke.
Upon opening to the public, word about the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella really began to spread and increasing products were added to their repertoire. The fame of the pharmacy spread to distant lands like Russia, the Indies, and even China during the course of the 18th century and it came to be the purveyor of goods of choice by members of European royal families, noble figures, and other famous and notable characters. In 1866, the church’s assets were confiscated by the Italian government and the pharmacy briefly became a state-owned operation. Then it was later ceded to Cesare Augusto Stefani who was the last monastic director’s nephew. Today, the pharmacy is a popular tourist attraction and visitors come to buy their famous goods and take the tours to learn more about their production methods. In addition, it has completely expanded into a global brand with stores in lots of other Italian cities as well as France, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, the UK, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. While the products themselves are well worth seeking out in their own right just because they are excellent, we would recommend visiting the original Florentine location, if possible.
Upon opening to the public, word about the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella really began to spread and increasing products were added to their repertoire. The fame of the pharmacy spread to distant lands like Russia, the Indies, and even China during the course of the 18th century and it came to be the purveyor of goods of choice by members of European royal families, noble figures, and other famous and notable characters. In 1866, the church’s assets were confiscated by the Italian government and the pharmacy briefly became a state-owned operation. Then it was later ceded to Cesare Augusto Stefani who was the last monastic director’s nephew. Today, the pharmacy is a popular tourist attraction and visitors come to buy their famous goods and take the tours to learn more about their production methods. In addition, it has completely expanded into a global brand with stores in lots of other Italian cities as well as France, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, the UK, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. While the products themselves are well worth seeking out in their own right just because they are excellent, we would recommend visiting the original Florentine location, if possible.
The ancient shop is located on Via della Scalla, a quiet street around the corner from the Church of Santa Maria Novella and is a thing of great beauty, with its rich wood panelled and glass counters and display cases, high ceilings with plasterwork, and richly embellished furnishings. This is where you should come to browse the liqueurs, soaps, perfumes, skincare products, candles, and more that are all still made using incredible ingredients and ancient recipes, though on a much larger scale. If you’re looking for a beautiful thing to bring back home from Florence as a souvenir or amazing and luxurious gifts for the person watering your plants, then look no further!
