The Officina di Santa Maria Novella was founded in 1221 by Dominican friars. In their gardens they cultivated officinal herbs that were used to make medicines; the remedies and ointments for the small infirmary of the monastery. In 1612, the pharmacy was opened to the public by Fra’ Angiolo Marchissi and shortly after received the honour of being named ‘the foundry of His Royal Highness’ by the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

By the 18th century the products created by the friars had gained a reputation for excellence and their fame reached as far as Russia, India and even China. In 1866, after the seizure of all the assets of the church by the State, the management of the company passed into the hands of layman Cesare Augusto Stefani, nephew of the last friar to be the director of the Officina. Today the direction has been entrusted to Eugenio Alphandery who strives to continue the tradition.

The use of the highest quality plants and extracts in all the artisan procedures devised by the founding Fathers is something that is still fundamental today: the officinal herbs used for the products are all brought from the surrounding Tuscan hills. All Santa Maria Novella products have a story to tell: one is Acqua della Regina (colonia classica), an essence created especially for Caterina de’ Medici. The noble lady, crowned Queen of France, other than making this precious scent a favourite in that country made many other Florentine specialities renown. The Pot-Pourri obtained from the maceration of herbs and flowers in Imprunetta terracotta pots is recognised all round the world as the symbol of the company.

Officina profumo-farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella available exclusively in Malta from camilleriparismode 2134-4838 www.camilleriparismode. com