Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy (Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella) is one of the oldest if not the oldest pharmacy in the world that is still in operation. Dominican monks established the apothecary when they began growing herbs to make salves, balms and medicines for use in their infirmary. News of the extraordinary quality of their products spread far and wide. In 1612, the monks opened their doors to sell to the public.

The pharmacy still uses only natural raw materials of the highest quality and continues to follow the ancient procedures originated by the Founding Fathers. Most of the medicinal herbs used are grown locally. Products are never tested on animals.