Anisha Riggs
Italy is widely regarded as the birthplace of the fragrance industry, with the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence being the world's oldest herbal pharmacy. Founded in 1221, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to create medications, balms, and pomades. In 1533, Santa Maria Novella was commissioned to create a signature fragrance for the fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici, which became known as Acqua della Regina or Water of the Queen. This citrus-based cologne is considered the world's first celebrity fragrance and popularized the concept of perfume in the French royal court. Today, Italy continues to be known for its exquisite fragrances, with brands like Prada, Bulgari, and Gucci producing some of the finest Italian scents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Acqua della Regina, also known as "Water of the Queen" |
| Place of Origin | Florence, Italy |
| Year Created | 1533 |
| Creator | Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella |
| Creator's Profession | Monks |
| Creator's Place of Work | Monastery-convent-pharmacy |
| Notable Users | Catherine de' Medici, Renaissance-era Guilds |
| Current Price | $125 for 3.4 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
By 1381, an on-site infirmary was in operation, using the monks' products to treat themselves and Florentine patients. One notable product developed during this time was a distilled rose water intended to treat the plague at the height of the Black Death. Powerful scented waters, including "Santa Maria Novella Water", were also created in medieval times. By the mid-16th century, the pharmacy's widespread fame led the monks to offer their products for sale to the public for the first time.
In 1533, Santa Maria Novella was commissioned to create a signature fragrance for the fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici upon her marriage to Henry II of France. Known as "Acqua della Regina" or "Water of the Queen", this citrus-based cologne is considered the world's first celebrity fragrance. It helped popularise the concept of perfume at the French royal court and inspired the creation of the famous ""Eau de Cologne" by Giovanni Paolo Feminis in 1725.
Today, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella continues to inhabit its historic premises on Via della Scala in Florence, attracting an average of 2,000 visitors per day. The main sales room occupies a former chapel, while the old sacristy is decorated with early-Renaissance frescoes. Since the 1990s, the company has expanded rapidly, with locations in every major Italian city and 75 shops worldwide. Despite this growth, the focus remains on preserving traditional artisanal methods and using high-quality ingredients.
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Acqua della Regina
The top notes of Acqua della Regina are Italian citruses, neroli, and petitgrain, with middle notes of rosemary, lavender, and cloves. The base notes are musk and patchouli. The result is a fresh and citrusy bouquet with a crisp, herbal austerity. The fragrance is described as enchanting, clean, and fit for any occasion.
The Santa Maria Novella pharmacy is known for its devotion to original, centuries-old recipes and production methods, combined with modern technology and innovation. The Acqua della Regina fragrance retails for $125 for a 3.4-ounce bottle, and the brand offers free shipping for all US orders of $100 or more.
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Prada Infusion d'Iris
The birthplace of the fragrance industry is widely considered to be Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Founded by Dominican Friars shortly after 1221, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms, and pomades.
The bottle design is luxurious and highlighted in a green-tinted hue, symbolizing the fusion of the signature ingredient, iris. The bottle cap is a sophisticated green in Prada's iconic Saffiano texture, which symbolizes the elegance of the fragrance.
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Bottega Veneta Knot
While it is difficult to pinpoint the oldest Italian fragrance, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, a pharmacy founded in Florence in 1221, is considered the birthplace of the fragrance industry. The pharmacy created balms, medications, and pomades from medicinal herbs grown in its monastic gardens. In 1533, Santa Maria Novella was commissioned to create a signature fragrance for the 14-year-old Catherine de' Medici, which became known as Acqua della Regina or "Water of the Queen." This fragrance is considered the world's first celebrity fragrance, popularizing the concept of perfume in the French royal court.
The history of Italian fragrances is rich and intertwined with royalty and celebrity endorsements. Santa Maria Novella's Acqua della Regina set a precedent for celebrity fragrances, while also introducing the concept of perfume to the French royal court. Today, Italian fashion powerhouses like Prada, Bulgari, and Gucci have expanded into fragrances, with Prada's Infusion d'Iris and Gucci's top beauty products becoming cult buys.
The Italian fragrance industry showcases the country's sense of style and penchant for vitality, with both men and women favoring lush and luxurious scents. Carthusia, one of Italy's most admired fragrance brands, sources the purest natural ingredients from the Isle of Capri for its popular Gelsomini di Capri fragrance.
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Farmacia SS. Annunziata 1561
The Farmacia SS. Annunziata 1561 is a Florentine fragrance brand with a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. The brand is associated with the Santissima Annunziata Pharmacy, which was first managed by the chemist Domenico di Vincenzo di Domenico Brunetti in 1561. The pharmacy has a long-standing tradition of preparing galenic prescriptions and skin care products, utilising both ancient handmade processes and modern machinery to ensure the highest standards and safety.
Over time, Farmacia SS. Annunziata has evolved in its production methods while respecting its heritage. The brand has 54 perfumes in its fragrance base, with the earliest edition created in 2011 and the newest released in 2024. This demonstrates their commitment to innovation while staying true to their roots.
The cosmetic line by Farmacia SS. Annunziata is produced by KER Srl, a company owned by the Azzerlini family, who also own and manage the pharmacy. This union combines the pharmacy's extensive experience with KER's modern technology, resulting in a range of high-quality, fresh products that meet legislative standards and the specific needs of their clients.
The Farmacia SS. Annunziata 1561 store is located in a historic building in Florence, Italy, with furniture and insignia dating back to the 18th century. The original name of the pharmacy, all’insegna della SS. Annunziata, was derived from the insignia depicting the Annunciation. The building's facade features a pietra serena stone sculpture of an eagle bearing a ball, reflecting the pharmacy's coat of arms from the 1200s.
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Frequently asked questions
The oldest Italian fragrance is said to be "Acqua della Regina" or "Water of the Queen", created in 1533 by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for Catherine de' Medici.
The Dominican Friars who founded the pharmacy Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence shortly after 1221 are behind the creation of the oldest Italian fragrance.
The oldest Italian fragrance, "Acqua della Regina", is a citrus-based cologne water of Calabrian bergamot.
The 3.4-ounce size of the historic fragrance retails for $125.
