There’s a hidden gem that might not be on the radar of every traveler visiting Florence but absolutely should be: the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy.

Often, when we hear the word “pharmacy,” we think of a place to pick up medicine or essentials, a necessity rather than a destination. That’s exactly what I thought before stepping into what is arguably my favorite spot in Florence.

What I found, instead, was an awe-inspiring, old building, filled with the best smelling perfumes that you can imagine, creams, soaps, and other beauty products. But what makes the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy really special and a unique place in Florence is that it’s one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.

This place, seemingly suspended in time, preserves a legacy of botanical studies, fragrance creation, and the art of healing that dates back centuries.

And the best part? It’s not crowded at all, offering a serene and almost intimate experience, unlike the bustling tourist spots elsewhere in the city. If you are visiting Florence during June, July or August, for example, the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy will feel like an oasis compared to the rest of the city.

My Visit to the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy in Florence

Walking into the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy was like stepping into another world. Before my visit, the idea of a “pharmacy” conjured images of modern drugstores and clinical aisles.

And the exterior of this ancient building gave little hint of the interior full of history and art.

But inside, the building itself is a masterpiece, with an architecture at draw the eye and the mind back to centuries ago.

It’s housed within a beautiful, old structure that has withstood the test of time. You could clearly imagine ladies dressed in big sumptuous colorful dresses and hats visiting this pharmacy centuries ago to buy the latest perfume. It made me think that if Bridgerton would have been shot in Florence this is where the ladies would be hanging out!

Because these are the kind of products that you will find in this pharmacy: perfumes, soaps, shampoos, bath gels, bath salts, and other luxury beauty products to pamper yourself. The scents of the products smelled like walking through a blooming garden, soft and natural as a jasmine (and unlike shops like Ritual, for example, which can smell great but in a totally different way).

Every product seems crafted with the same attention to detail and quality. They are great potential gifts for oneself or a loved one.

You can spend a long time just hanging out at the pharmacy and smelling every perfume, like I did. I was particularly drawn to the flower fragrances—rose, gardenia, iris, and magnolia—each capturing the essence of the flowers in a bottle. You can get a bottle of perfume for around 165 euros, or an eau de cologne for around 85 euros.

The Oldest Perfume in the World

One perfume really caught my attention among all the others: Acqua della Regina, or “Water of the Queen.” This wasn’t a perfume like the others, it was born from a recipe that’s been around for centuries.

Back in the early 1500s, when Florence was buzzing with the energy of the Renaissance, Catherine de Medici, from the city’s most powerful family, was about to get married at just 14.

To celebrate her wedding to Henry II, the future king of France, the monks at Santa Maria Novella whipped up this special perfume, Acqua della Regina.

And you know what? Despite its age, this perfume doesn’t come off as old-fashioned at all. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. The scent is absolutely perfect, easily one of the best, if not the best of all.

The Art Exhibition Room

My experience was made even more memorable by the art room, a space that merged the worlds of art and fragrance with temporary exhibitions. When we were there, the exhibition featured an animation of flowers projected on the walls, accompanied by calming sounds, created an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

The History of the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

The story of this historic pharmacy begins in the early 13th century, around 1221, when it was established by Dominican friars right after they arrived in the city. These friars began cultivating medicinal herbs in their monastic gardens to create remedies for the monastery’s infirmary.

By 1612, their reputation for effective cures had grown so much that they opened their doors to the public, offering their herbal remedies and knowledge to a wider audience.

The friars were not only caregivers but also pioneers in the study of botany and herbal medicine, laying the groundwork for what would become a globally respected tradition.

Over the centuries, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy has evolved from a small monastic workshop into a beloved Florentine institution. Its longevity is a testament to the enduring quality and appeal of its products, many of which are still made according to the original recipes developed by the friars.

Before You Go…

As you can see, the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy is a hidden gem, but there equally interesting places to visit in the city. Take a look at this post about unique things to do in Florence for more ideas.

If you are still looking for options to do during your time in Florence and more places to discover, you might want to read this post about the best two-day trips from Florence by train.