Santa Maria Novella
Florentine heritage apothecary founded in 1612
Historic Italian house for fragrances, soaps, colognes and home scents rooted in Dominican pharmacy traditions in Florence.
About Santa Maria Novella
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella traces its origins to 1612 in Florence, when Dominican friars opened a pharmacy that later became a renowned fragrance and cosmetics house. Today it is known for classic colognes, room fragrances, soaps and body care sold from the historic Via della Scala pharmacy and international boutiques.
Why consider Santa Maria Novella
- One of the world's oldest continuously operating fragrance houses
- Florentine apothecary identity with distinctive heritage packaging
- Range spanning cologne, home fragrance, soap and body care
- Boutique retail experience anchored in Florence
- European heritage alternative to contemporary niche US fragrance brands
Alternatives
Comparable non-European brands
European alternatives
Brand comparison
| Brand | Country | Positioning | Main category | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Novella |  Italy | Heritage apothecary | Fragrance and body | Premium |
| Acqua di Parma | Italy | Italian luxury | Fragrance | Premium |
| Molinard |  France | Historic perfumery | Fragrance | Mid-premium |
Reviews
Shopper experiences with Santa Maria Novella
Sign in to leave a review. One review per brand.
Sign in to reviewLoading reviews…
Brand details
Product categories
Brand ownership
- Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
- Santa Maria Novella
Market presence
- Historic Florence pharmacy and boutique
- International Santa Maria Novella stores
- Selected luxury retailers
- Official online store
- Travel retail in select locations
Brand timeline
- 1221Dominican convent traditions begin in Florence
- 1612Pharmacy opens to the public
- 1800sExpands commercial fragrance and cosmetic production
- 1900sBecomes an international heritage beauty house
- TodayGlobal apothecary brand still rooted in Florence