Review: Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Tell us a little about this place.
One of the oldest herbal pharmacies in the world, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella now has locations in London, New York, and Tokyo, among others; but it was founded in this beautiful frescoed chapel in 1221 by Dominican monks and opened to the public in 1612.

Excellent! What can we find here, or what should we look for?
As soon as you walk in, the scent of the signature potpourri—a mix of herbs and flowers from the Tuscan hills—fills the air. Mahogany-and-glass cabinets in the main vaulted, frescoed chapel are filled with glass bottles of oils and perfumes, skin and body lotions, the brand's exquisite trademark soaps (in rose, pomegranate, iris, and more). Visit the back room to see the brand's famous herbal concoctions: Baby Relax for a fretful infant, tisanes, or herbal teas (like the excellent Mouse Ear Hawkweed), and the famous Acqua di Santa Maria Novella elixir, an 'anti-hysteria' remedy.

Interesting. If money’s no object, what goes in the cart?
Eau de colognes with names like Nostalgia, Angels of Florence, Seoul Dawn, and Tuscan Tobacco, as well as fragrances such as rose, gardenia, and vetiver, all cost from €70 to €80 (about $80 to $92) for 100ml.

And … what if we’re on a strict budget?
There are plenty of items for less than €25: bottles of old-fashioned rose or orange blossom water (€15, or $17), sachets of potpourri (€21, or $24), creamy soaps (€10, or $11.50), and even deodorant for cats and dogs (€10).

Perfect. Who else shops here?
This is arguably the most famous shop in Florence, and people come from all over the world just to see it. But you’ll find Florentines here too.

Got it. Any secret tips, or “don’t go home without” purchases?
At the very back of the shop is a tea room and small exhibition space that documents the pharmacy's history.