A heady journey through the most prestigious laboratories in Florence
In the Renaissance, Florence was the place where the art of creating perfumes came to birth. If truth be told, the nose that taught the expertise to the French was a certain Renato Bianco (later Frenchified into René Le Florentin), who arrived in Paris in the retinue of Caterina de’ Medici. We can still find this illustrious past alive and flourishing in a number of tireless workshops: little temples dedicated to beauty, but known all over the world.
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Florence’s Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is Europe’s oldest apothecary’s shop. The pharmacy of the Dominican convent first opened its doors to the public in 1612, although the Dominican Friars, who had settled in Florence, had been studying and experimenting with the aromatic plants grown in the convent’s vegetable garden and preparing medications for the small infirmary since 1221. All products are strictly made by using natural basic ingredients. All production stages are performed at the Florentine factory, based on the recipes and artisan methods handed down by the Dominican Friars. Today, in addition to the company’s historic products, such as the Rose Water, the Acqua di S.M. Novella fragrance, Vellutina Soap, Idralia cream and the Potpourri, the shop offers a number of products specifically designed for contemporary needs.
Sileno Cheloni Firenze Maestro Profumiere
Sileno Cheloni Firenze Maestro Profumiere
An internationally renowned master perfumer - with a portfolio boasting clients such as Gucci, Harrods, Richard Ginori and IWC - in his OL'Factory in the heart of Florence, Sileno Cheloni creates made-to-measure perfumes and unique olfactory experiences, such as the Sensory Dinner and the Incense Ceremony. A perfumer-explorer who blends rare, natural raw materials, essences and fragrances to create exquisitely personal and customizable alchemical symphonies. A true bespoke experience that captivates all the senses.
Aquaflor Firenze
Aquaflor Firenze
Precious essences for creating unique, exclusive fragrances. The perfumer’s atelier, along with factory, laboratory, and studio, are located in the Renaissance Palazzo Corsini Antinori Serristori. Inspired by artistic perfumery, the collections, with an olfactory range of over a thousand essences, include perfumes, colognes, moisturizing waters, room sprays and candles, while the cosmetic line features artisan soaps creams and plant-based body wash. Guided tours and sampling may be arranged in both the olfactorium and the laboratory, where fascinating artistic perfumery workshops are held, so that customers can concoct their own special personalized fragrance.
Lorenzo Villoresi
Lorenzo Villoresi
If you are looking for an artistically made scent, the rarest ingredients or unexpected ideas to add a fragrant touch to your favourite spaces, this is the place to be. Since 1990, Lorenzo Villoresi has been welcoming guests from all over the world: the Boutique, the Aromatic Garden and the Museum unveil to the visitors the secrets and charm of all that is fragrant. Special visits, bespoke experiences and workshops upon reservation.
Farmacia SS. Annunziata
Farmacia SS. Annunziata
La prima notizia che documenta la nascita della Farmacia SS. Annunziata risale al 1561. L’antica tradizione dei suoi preparati galenici, e dei prodotti per l’igiene e l’estetica della pelle, è stata mantenuta viva fino a oggi. Tra le preparazioni più richieste si annoverano i suoi speciali prodotti per la pelle, creati e consigliati secondo principi che tengono conto della stagionalità, del clima e dello stato psicofisico di ogni singolo cliente, ma vi consigliamo comunque di provare il profumo “450” a base di iris affumicato.
Dr. Vranjes Firenze
Dr. Vranjes Firenze
Dr. Paolo Vranjes- pharmacist, chemist and cosmetologist- has been making sweet-smelling and elegant furnishing objects for 35 years. All his products are made by hand and translate emotions into veritable olfactory creations. Home fragrances, car air fresheners, linen fragrances, candles, beauty products.
Officina de’ Tornabuoni
Here locals and international jetsetters find exquisite and rare natural skin care, fine fragrances and herbal remedies, directly from real artisans, in a warm and inviting setting rich with antiques, art, and historic details.