In this new episode of On Tour with Nose, Gian Luca Perris, CEO and master perfumer of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, opens the doors to the world's oldest pharmacy. Located in the heart of Florence, it is a place where Dominican friars were already distilling herbs and floral waters centuries before the word “perfumery” even existed.
The Officina fonded in 1221
The story of Santa Maria Novella begins with the Dominican friars who, in caring for their community, developed expertise in the extraction of medicinal herbs and remedies. Many of the tools they used can still be seen in the pharmacy today. Over time, the Officina became a gathering place for Florence’s cultural and social elite.
One of its most emblematic spaces is the Water Room, where rose water was stored throughout the year. This room alone reflects the central role that botanical ingredients have always played in the house’s identity.
Pot Pourri: A Secret Recipe Since 1865
Among the Officina’s specialties, Pot Pourri holds a unique place. Since 1865, herbs have been harvested from the Tuscan hills before being carefully blended and macerated in a proprietary recipe of locally sourced essential oils. The process, which takes several days, produces a singular composition designed to perfume interiors over time.
The result is an object that belongs to no contemporary category: neither candle nor diffuser. It is an ancient olfactory creation, alive with history and deeply rooted in its territory.
The Eau de Parfum Collection: Inspired by the Medici Gardens
Santa Maria Novella’s Eau de Parfum collection draws inspiration from the Medici gardens, renowned for their rare botanical species. Today, the collection comprises four fragrances: Iris, Gelsomino, Bizzaria, and Magnolia.
Iris lies at the heart of the collection—and not only for symbolic reasons, although it is Florence’s emblem, appearing on the city’s flags and seals. The precious raw material derived from its rhizomes, extracted over a six-year process, is considered one of the most valuable ingredients in fine perfumery. And according to Perris, the finest iris in the world comes from Florence.
One House, Many Worlds
Beyond fragrance, Santa Maria Novella offers an extensive range of products, including colognes, home fragrances, and skincare. These categories extend the founding philosophy of the Officina: a pharmacy in the broadest sense, dedicated as much to well-being as to scent.
Discover Santa Maria Novella’s fragrances and universe through our curated selection below.
