<p>Acqua della Regina, Santa Maria Novella's first fragrance, is a citrusy tribute to a fresh and citrusy royal story. That of Catherine de Medici, who asked the Dominican monks to create this fragrance with Italian citrus fruits mixed with neroli and petitgrain in 1533. Rosemary, cloves and lavender are combined on a musky base with elegance and grace in such a particular way that Catherine de Medici offers this perfume to Henri II de Valois, future king of France. A royal fragrance with a rich history, inspired by 800 years of tradition.</p>
Born in 1221, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is considered the oldest pharmacy in the world. Founded by Dominican friars, its history began when they had access to Santa Maria Inter Vineas, a small church outside Florence. There they cultivated herbs and plants in its garden to make medicines, ointments and balms. In 1334, Santa Maria Novella became known for treating a wealthy merchant from one of the most powerful families in Florence. Today the house is known worldwide for its perfumes, candles and "traditional preparations".