Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a historic pharmacy and perfumery in Florence, adjacent to the Dominican church of Santa Maria Novella, with origins dating back to Dominican herbal practice in the 13th century and continuous commercial activity since the early modern era.

The ground-floor shop houses rows of traditional apothecary jars, wooden counters and display cases where the officina sells perfumes, scented waters, soaps and lotions. A separate small museum presents historical pharmaceutical equipment, bottles and documents that illustrate production methods and recipes from the 17th to 19th centuries.

The officina grew out of medicinal and botanical work by the friars of Santa Maria Novella; over time it developed into a commercial perfumery and pharmacy serving both the convent and the wider public. Many of the formulas offered today are derived from those historic preparations.

The entrance is on the western side of Piazza Santa Maria Novella in central Florence, within easy walking distance of Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and other city centre landmarks.

• Products: The house brand 'Acqua di Santa Maria Novella' and other traditional preparations such as scented waters and soaps remain in production and are available for purchase on site.
• Location and timing: The shop sits beside the Piazza and church of Santa Maria Novella, so combine a visit with the church and the nearby train station for easy access; mornings tend to be less crowded.

What to See #

• Historic shop: The ground-floor historic shop preserves original cabinetry, apothecary jars and counters where perfumes, eaux de toilette and herbal remedies have been sold for centuries.
• Museum: The small museum displays historical pharmaceutical equipment, bottles and documents tracing the officina's production and recipes from the early modern period to the 19th century.