Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world was established by the Dominican Fathers shortly after 1221. In their garden, the fathers cultivated herbs that they used to prepare medications, balms and creams for the monastery’s infirmary. By 1612, their products had gained renown throughout Europe and the pharmacy was officially opened to the public, extending their reach into exquisite perfumes, personal care, and home fragrance, and catering to legions of global nobility, celebrity and cognoscenti throughout the coming centuries. Today the products are still made at the original facility in Florence and continue to be the favorites of celebrities and dignitaries the world over.
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