The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, also known as the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella or the Ancient Apothecary of Santa Maria Novella, is nestled in the heart of Florence, at Via della Scala 16. Situated within the complex of the Santa Maria Novella convent, this pharmacy boasts a history spanning over four centuries, making it the oldest in Europe.
Since as far back as 1381, the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella provided aid to the community by selling rose water, a potent disinfectant particularly used during epidemics. Over time, their activities evolved: the friars cultivated medicinal plants in their garden, distilled herbs and flowers, and prepared various healing formulations. This garden, known as the Garden of the Simples, also supplied the nearby Pharmacy of San Marco, also founded and managed by the Dominican friars.
The present-day perfumery has its roots in 1612 when it still functioned as an apothecary. Thanks to its renown in Europe, it was granted the title of Foundry of His Royal Highness by Grand Duke Ferdinando II de’ Medici in 1659, under the direction of Fra’ Angiolo Marchissi. In the eighteenth century, its products were so esteemed that they were exported as far as the Indies and China.
Although it is no longer a pharmacy in the traditional sense, but rather a perfumery and herbalist’s shop, it still retains a monumental ambiance with decorations and antique furnishings from various epochs. The main sales hall, which was once one of the convent’s chapels dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, is adorned with eighteenth-century frescoes representing the four continents, symbolizing the pharmacy’s worldwide fame. Adjacent to the sales hall is the Green Room, furnished with elegant eighteenth-century Directoire-style furniture and graced by the portrait of Peter of Verona by Matteo Rosselli.
The Ancient Apothecary, now used as an herbalist’s shop, was the sales room from 1612 to 1848 and preserves fourteenth-century frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ by Mariotto di Nardo.
The Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy also serves as a museum, offering visitors the opportunity to delve into the history and tradition of perfume and ancient remedies production. In the former production laboratories, visitors can admire ancient machinery, glassware, ceramics, and copper and bronze objects used in product manufacturing. The premises also include ancient cellars where products are stored, a tea room, and an ancient distillery, overlooking the charming herb garden.
Throughout the complex, there is a rich collection of scientific instruments and containers dating from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries, including ceramic vessels, pharmacy glassware, and genuine scientific instruments.
