Officina Santa Maria Novella

History

Since 1612

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. It originated in the 13th century, thanks to the Dominican friars who at that time in Florence began administering medical assistance to sick brothers. Later, they moved on, around the year 1381, to devising healing preparations such as rose water, considered at that time to be an effective disinfectant and a mild medication. The foundation of this ancient pharmacy, however, dates back to 1612 because, from that year, even greater impetus was given to the study of preparing medicines that made the Dominican pharmacy famous. The director of the pharmacy in that year was Fra Angiolo Marchissi, a good chemistry scholar and well known alchemist who contributed decisively to increasing the pharmacy’s fame, so much so that he was able to call it, by order of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, “Fonderia di Sua Altezza Reale”. Many essences and perfumes are still made with formulas researched in the Renaissance for Caterina de’ Medici.

Contacts

Address: Via della Scala, 16

Website: http://www.smnovella.it

Email: officina@smnovella.com

Phone: +39 055 216276