Officina di Santa Maria Novella

About

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 convent complex of the Basilica 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 organisation recorded in 1542. The year 1612 is traditionally considered the date when the Officina opened to the public. By virtue of its documented continuity of site, activity and preparatory tradition since 1221, it is recognised as the oldest pharmacy in the world. 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 origin of the Officina is linked to the foundation 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.

As early as 1381 it is documented that the Dominicans of Santa Maria Novella sold rose water as a disinfectant, used especially in times of epidemics. The friars cultivated medicinal plants (the semplici, from which the name of the Giardino dei Semplici derives) in an adjacent garden, distilling herbs and flowers and preparing essences, elixirs, ointments and balsams. The garden of the simples supplied mainly the nearby Pharmacy of San Marco, also founded and managed by the Dominican friars.

In 1508 the presence of a small convent pharmacy is attested. By 1542 the apothecary had its own autonomous administrative organisation, as documented by the first Book of Income and Expenses.

Development from the 16th to the 18th century

Between 1590 and 1591 the apothecary underwent an expansion and reorganisation of its spaces and equipment, with the introduction of new furnishings, instruments and containers.

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, a central figure in the development of the Officina during the 17th century. The current perfumery dates to 1612, when it still functioned also as an apothecary. Renowned throughout Europe, it received from Grand Duke Ferdinand II de' Medici the title of Fonderia di Sua Altezza Reale (Foundry of His Royal Highness) in 1659, during the direction of Fra' Angiolo Marchissi. In the 18th century its products were exported as far as India and China.

In the 19th century, under the direction of Fra' Damiano Beni, important reorganisation and expansion works were undertaken, leading to the current configuration. In 1866 the complex passed to the State; in 1867 it was entrusted to Cesare Augusto Stefani for management, and in 1871 it became the property of the Municipality of Florence.

During the 20th century the Officina progressively assumed a corporate structure, combining traditional practices with a larger-scale organised production.

From the second half of the 20th century, the activity extended progressively at an international level, with a growing presence in Europe, the Americas and Asia. In parallel, a network of mono-brand retail stores and selective distribution developed, contributing to the transformation of the Officina from a local institution into an internationally recognised brand.

In the second half of the 20th century, part of the production activities was progressively relocated outside the historic premises, which retained representative and commercial functions.

In the 21st century the company further consolidated its global presence, maintaining the historic Florence premises as its identity centre. In 2020 it became part of the Italmobiliare group, which acquired the entirety of the capital in 2021. In the following years the company expanded its international distribution network, with more than 400 points of sale across more than 30 countries. In July 2025, Ludivine Pont, previously Chief Marketing Officer at Balenciaga, was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

The origin of the Officina is linked to the foundation 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.

As early as 1381 it is documented that the Dominicans of Santa Maria Novella sold rose water as a disinfectant, used especially in times of epidemics. The friars cultivated medicinal plants (the semplici, from which the name of the Giardino dei Semplici derives) in an adjacent garden, distilling herbs and flowers and preparing essences, elixirs, ointments and balsams. The garden of the simples supplied mainly the nearby Pharmacy of San Marco, also founded and managed by the Dominican friars.

In 1508 the presence of a small convent pharmacy is attested. By 1542 the apothecary had its own autonomous administrative organisation, as documented by the first Book of Income and Expenses.

Between 1590 and 1591 the apothecary underwent an expansion and reorganisation of its spaces and equipment, with the introduction of new furnishings, instruments and containers.

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, a central figure in the development of the Officina during the 17th century. The current perfumery dates to 1612, when it still functioned also as an apothecary. Renowned throughout Europe, it received from Grand Duke Ferdinand II de' Medici the title of Fonderia di Sua Altezza Reale (Foundry of His Royal Highness) in 1659, during the direction of Fra' Angiolo Marchissi. In the 18th century its products were exported as far as India and China.

In the 19th century, under the direction of Fra' Damiano Beni, important reorganisation and expansion works were undertaken, leading to the current configuration. In 1866 the complex passed to the State; in 1867 it was entrusted to Cesare Augusto Stefani for management, and in 1871 it became the property of the Municipality of Florence.

During the 20th century the Officina progressively assumed a corporate structure, combining traditional practices with a larger-scale organised production.

From the second half of the 20th century, the activity extended progressively at an international level, with a growing presence in Europe, the Americas and Asia. In parallel, a network of mono-brand retail stores and selective distribution developed, contributing to the transformation of the Officina from a local institution into an internationally recognised brand.