The Enduring Legacy of Santa Maria Novella: A Renaissance in Perfumery and Knowledge
In the heart of Florence, Italy, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy stands as a testament to the timeless intersection of art, science, and tradition. Established in 1221 by the same friars who constructed Florence's first majestic basilica, this venerable institution is the oldest operating pharmacy in the world. Known formally as Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, it has an illustrious history that continues to captivate and inspire.
This November marked a new chapter in the pharmacy’s storied journey, as it opens its third store in London, situated in the prestigious Burlington Gardens near Bond Street. This prime location places the new shop just a stone’s throw from the Royal Academy of Arts, where Santa Maria Novella is a proud partner of the exhibition "Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence." This partnership underscores Santa Maria Novella’s commitment to sharing Florentine cultural heritage beyond Italy’s borders, while also highlighting the brand's deep connections to the Renaissance period and figures like Leonardo da Vinci.
Santa Maria Novella’s history is as rich and fragrant as the perfumes it produces. Leonardo da Vinci, the epitome of Renaissance genius, found inspiration within the walls of the pharmacy. In 1504, while preparing "The Battle of Anghiari," Leonardo resided at the Santa Maria Novella convent. Here, he was exposed to the friars’ remedies and aromatic waters, which kindled his interest in botany and perfumery. He even created glass alembics for perfume distillation, a testament to his innovative spirit and the influence of Santa Maria Novella’s expertise.
The pharmacy’s influence has spanned centuries, attracting notable clients from Caterina de' Medici to contemporary admirers like British supermodel Kate Moss, who is known to favour their "Acqua di Rose". This rose water, renowned for its soothing and refreshing properties, exemplifies the enduring appeal of Santa Maria Novella’s products. Each item crafted by the pharmacy is steeped in a tradition of excellence, blending ancient formulas with modern sensibilities.
The new London store is not just a retail space; it is a bridge between the past and present, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary elegance. The opening of this store marks a significant step in Santa Maria Novella’s expansion strategy, which aims to reinterpret the Renaissance taste for natural sciences and the art of perfumery for a modern audience. Visitors to the Burlington Gardens location will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the historical essence and innovative spirit that define Santa Maria Novella.
As we step into the festive season, the charm of Santa Maria Novella’s legacy becomes even more poignant. Their support of the "Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence" exhibition reflects a commitment not only to preserving but also to celebrating and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Florence. This partnership brings to life the enduring links between the pharmacy and the Renaissance masters, particularly Leonardo da Vinci, whose time spent at the Santa Maria Novella convent was marked by an exploration of the natural sciences and the art of fragrance.
In essence, Santa Maria Novella is more than a pharmacy; it is a custodian of history and tradition, a purveyor of artisanal craftsmanship, and a beacon of Renaissance knowledge and innovation. The opening of their new London store is a celebration of this legacy, inviting a new generation of admirers to partake in a tradition that has withstood the test of time, offering a fragrant journey through history, science, and art.