The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, also known as the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella or the Ancient Apothecary of Santa Maria Novella, is an Italian company active in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics and herbal products, based at Via della Scala 16 in Florence, within the historic premises of the complex of Santa Maria Novella.
Its origins date back to 1221, when the Dominican Order settled in Florence. Over the centuries, the convent apothecary developed into a structured activity, with a documented pharmacy in 1508 and an autonomous administrative organization recorded in 1542.
The year 1612 is traditionally considered the date when the Officina opened to the public. Over time, the activity evolved from a convent apothecary into a company operating in perfumery, cosmetics and personal care.
In 2012, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of 1612, it was featured in an Italian postage stamp series dedicated to Made in Italy.
The origins of the Officina are linked to the establishment of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Novella in 1221. Within the convent, friars cultivated medicinal plants and prepared remedies for the religious community and for the care of the sick.
In the 13th century, members of the community were already engaged in medical care and the preparation of remedies. In 1457 no dedicated apothecary space is yet recorded, while by 1508 a small convent pharmacy is documented.
By 1542, the apothecary had developed its own administrative structure, as evidenced by the first Book of Income and Expenses.
Between 1590 and 1591 the apothecary underwent expansion and reorganization, including the introduction of new equipment and furnishings.
The year 1612 marks its opening to the public. During this period, the apothecary was managed by the lay apothecary Simone Marchi and the Dominican friar Angiolo Marchissi.
In the 17th century, the Officina gained prestige through its connections with the Medici court. By the 18th century, its activity extended beyond Europe.
In the 19th century, under the direction of friar Damiano Beni, significant architectural and organizational changes were carried out, shaping the current layout of the premises.
In 1866 the complex became state property; in 1867 it was leased to Cesare Augusto Stefani, and in 1871 ownership passed to the Municipality of Florence.
During the 20th century, the Officina gradually transitioned into a structured company, combining traditional practices with a more organized production model.
From the second half of the 20th century, its activity expanded progressively at an international level, with an increasing presence in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
At the same time, a network of mono-brand stores and selective distribution channels was developed.
Part of the production was progressively moved away from the historic premises, which retained representative and commercial functions.
In the 21st century, the company further consolidated its global presence while maintaining its historic headquarters in Florence as a central element of its identity. In 2020, it became part of the Italmobiliare group.
The Officina is housed within the convent complex of Santa Maria Novella and reflects an architectural stratification from the 14th to the 19th century.
A major transformation occurred between 1847 and 1852, when architect Enrico Romoli redesigned the layout and created the current entrance on Via della Scala.
The present entrance on Via della Scala dates to the 19th-century renovations designed by Enrico Romoli.
The Grand Sales Hall derives from the 19th-century transformation of a pre-existing space, completed between 1847 and 1848.
The vaulted ceiling was decorated by Paolino Sarti with allegories of the four continents, according to the iconographic convention of the time (Europe, Asia, Africa and America), referring to the international reach of the Officina.
The Green Room, built in the 14th century, was used over time as a laboratory and later as a reception room.
The Ancient Apothecary served as the main sales area until the mid-19th century. In 1755 it underwent significant refurbishment.
The Sacristy, used from the 17th century to store distilled waters, preserves a cycle of frescoes attributed to Mariotto di Nardo.
The Officina operates in perfumery, cosmetics and herbal products, developing formulations rooted in its historical pharmaceutical and botanical tradition.
Its production includes fragrances, personal care preparations and products for interiors.
Some preparations are historically associated with the Officina and reflect its continuity over time.
Among these, Acqua della Regina is traditionally linked to the 16th century and to Catherine de' Medici, for whom it is said to have been created on the occasion of her marriage to the future King of France.
Herbal preparations such as potpourri, made from dried leaves, roots and flowers, also belong to the OfficinaâÂÂs historical tradition.
In contemporary practice, some preparations have been adapted into objects for interiors, including terracotta elements associated with pomegranate-based fragrances.
More recent creations include the fragrance Angeli di Firenze, developed in relation to the memory of the 1966 flood of Florence.
The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is regarded as one of the most significant examples of European monastic pharmaceutical tradition.
The continuity of its activity within its historical premises and its connection to the Dominican tradition make it a notable case in the history of apothecaries.