In the 13th century, Dominican friars set up an infirmary in Florence's Santa Maria Novella convent and started cultivating medicinal herbs.
Scent of the past —
In the 13th century, Dominican friars set up an infirmary in Florence's Santa Maria Novella convent and started cultivating medicinal herbs.
AFP/Getty Images
The pharmacy is located near Florence's train station. Entrance is free of charge.
Thriving business —
The pharmacy is located near Florence's train station. Entrance is free of charge.
AFP/Getty Images
While some of the tropical ingredients such as patchouli and sandalwood are imported, the products are largely chilometro zero (locally made), right down to the labels, stationery and bags.
Local ingredients —
While some of the tropical ingredients such as patchouli and sandalwood are imported, the products are largely chilometro zero (locally made), right down to the labels, stationery and bags.
AFP/Getty Images
Little has changed in the pharmacy over the years. Compare this photograph to the next, taken several decades ago.
Classic charm —
Little has changed in the pharmacy over the years. Compare this photograph to the next, taken several decades ago.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The only major change at the apothecary was the transfer of production operations to a facility three kilometers north of Florence.
Still the same —
The only major change at the apothecary was the transfer of production operations to a facility three kilometers north of Florence.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The classical interiors have, however, seen the introduction of some incongruous 21st century fixtures -- notably hi-tech touch screens.
Ancient and modern —
The classical interiors have, however, seen the introduction of some incongruous 21st century fixtures -- notably hi-tech touch screens.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The apothecary rose to prominence when it created a perfume for a daughter of the powerful Medici family who was to be married to a future king of France.
Fragrant fortunes —
The apothecary rose to prominence when it created a perfume for a daughter of the powerful Medici family who was to be married to a future king of France.
AFP/Getty Images
Tiny tins of pastilles are among the range of traditional remedies available in the apothecary.
Traditional medicines —
Tiny tins of pastilles are among the range of traditional remedies available in the apothecary.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The apothercary's library, which used to be a church sacristy, still has the frescoes created in 1380 by Early Renaissance painter Mariotto di Nardo.<br />
Religious frescoes —
The apothercary's library, which used to be a church sacristy, still has the frescoes created in 1380 by Early Renaissance painter Mariotto di Nardo.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
The apothecary's potpourri brings to mind a springtime walk in the nearby Tuscan hills.<br />
Potpourri —
The apothecary's potpourri brings to mind a springtime walk in the nearby Tuscan hills.
Courtesy Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Highly polished shelves are lined with bottles of sweet-smelling potions, colorful liqueurs, eau de colognes, soaps and creams.<br />
Colorful stock —
Highly polished shelves are lined with bottles of sweet-smelling potions, colorful liqueurs, eau de colognes, soaps and creams.
AFP/Getty Images