Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella / Florence

The Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is a must see when you are in Firenze.
This old Pharmacy first named in documents in 1381 selling rosewater.
The monks grew medicinal plants (the simple, hence the name of the garden of Simples) in an adjoining orchard, distilled herbs and flowers, prepared essences, elixirs, ointments, balms. During the plague it gained european wide publicity in 1667 because of their products.
The current perfume goes back to 1612. Renowned all over Europe, it received by Grand Duke Ferdinand II de 'Medici' title of His Royal Highness in 1659. In the eighteenth century its products were exported to India and China.
Today it is considered as one of the oldest businesses in Europe, operating for nearly 4 centuries. Inappropriately called "medications" for decades they are not longer dealing drugs, the second is, as advertised, the only pharmacy SS. Annunziata, active since 1561 also in the center of Florence.

For more info:www.smnovella.it