Anisha Riggs
Italy is a treasure trove of perfumes, from the historic perfumeries of Florence to the high-end fragrance halls of Milan. Whether you're looking for local brands or designer fragrances, Italy has something for everyone. If you're in the mood for a unique, artisanal scent, Florence is the place to be, with its abundance of good perfume shops in a small area. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Milan is sure to impress with its immaculately dressed society and extravagant perfume stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples |
| Shops | Sephora, Douglas, Santa Maria Novella, Avery Perfume Gallery, Profumo, Mazzolari, Acqua di Firenze, Aquaflor, Lorenzo Villoresi, Sileno Cheloni, Campomarzio, Olfattorio, HB Roma, Profumeria Artistica Testaccio, Rinascente |
| Brands | Bvlgari, Prada, L'Occitane, Laboratio Olfattivo, Eau D'Italie, Annick Goutal, Diptype, Aqua di Parma, Le Labo, YSL, Dior, Chanel, Dr. Vranges, Parfums de Marly, Profumum Roma, Filippo Sorcinelli, Fornacetti, Angelo Orazio Pregoni |
| Other | Santa Maria Novella is the world's oldest apothecary, located in Florence |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume shops in Rome
When in Rome, it's only natural to want to pick up a scent that embodies the essence of the city. Luckily, the Italian capital is brimming with perfumeries, from historic boutiques to modern concept stores, where you can find your perfect fragrance.
Ortigia
Ortigia is a delightful spot to visit if you're seeking pretty and varied scents and beautifully designed products. You can sample a signature fragrance before choosing from a range of items based on the scent you prefer.
Profumum
Profumum is a unique brand dedicated to the art of perfume. Founded in 1996 by the Durante family, this shop offers evocative scents inspired by the city, such as 'Victrix', which was inspired by the ancient Appian Way. Each of the 14 fragrances is accompanied by a poem that tells its story. In addition to perfumes, you can also find soaps, incense, candles, and eau de toilette spray.
HB Roma
This concept store, located in the heart of the city, is a feast for the senses. Housed in the elegant 19th-century Palazzo Chauvet, HB Roma combines covetable fragrances with stunning frescoes rich in symbolism related to Italian Unification. The shop seamlessly fuses past and present with eclectic, contemporary furniture and sculptural works of art, creating a multifunctional space that doubles as an art gallery and lounge for shoppers. The intimate cocktail bar in the back enhances the experience by drawing attention to the interrelationship between smell and taste. Here, you'll find high-end French and Italian perfumes, including brands such as Acqua di Parma, Clive Christian, Comme des Garcons, and Diptyque.
Roma Store Perfumi
Located in the historic centre of Rome, in the Trastevere area, this artistic and selective perfumery offers unique fragrances, exclusive productions, and refined perfumed body creams based on exclusive essences. The owner, Roberto, is known for his cordiality and passion for transforming customers' thoughts into fragrances, accompanying them in their choice with competence.
Santa Maria Novella
This perfumery, often referred to as SMN, began in Florence in 1612 inside the monastery of Santa Maria Novella, where it still resides today. All products are made according to ancient recipes from the Renaissance era, and in addition to perfumes, they produce the best soaps and a range of beauty products made with pomegranate. Each shop boasts a classic-chic style with elegant essences and decor.
In addition to these distinctive shops, you can also find perfumes in Rome's Sephora and Rinascente department stores, as well as in many pharmacies.
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Perfume shops in Florence
Florence has an extraordinarily large number of world-class independent perfumeries for a relatively small city. This is perhaps due to its role as a destination for traders of spices, resins, and other precious fragrance elements.
One of the most famous perfumeries in Florence is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which has been open uninterruptedly since 1621, making it the oldest perfumery in Europe. The building is stunning, with frescoed rooms, historic furniture, and products with a long history. Another perfumery with a rich history is the SS. Annunziata Pharmacy, which was opened in 1561 as an "apothecary's shop" and was transformed into a pharmacy in the mid-1800s.
For those interested in contemporary creations, "The English Pharmacy" on Florence's equivalent of Bond Street or Rodeo Drive combines the holistic and medical sides of a pharmacy with a fine fragrance destination. The building is beautiful, with a vaulted ceiling, limestone fireplace, and tapestry chairs. Here, you can find scents from The Different Company (from Paris), which you sniff from wine glasses, as well as Annick Goutal, Diptyque, Honoré des Près, Les Parfums de Rosine, Penhaligon’s, and L’Artisan Parfumeur.
Other notable perfumeries in Florence include Aquaflor in Borgo Santa Croce, which is located in a Renaissance palace with elegant furnishings, and the Lorenzo Villoresi collection, which can be found at the Avery Perfume Gallery. Villoresi is a custom perfume creator with a charming laboratory overlooking Ponte Vecchio, and his fragrances are inspired by the Orient.
Lastly, for those looking for an olfactory atelier, there is a beautiful boutique in Oltrarno, a few steps from the Ponte delle Grazie. Each fragrance here is considered an artistic creation, independent of fashions or trends, and the brand has won the "Prix Francois Coty" award for its artisan values.
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Perfume shops in Milan
When it comes to perfume shopping in Milan, there are several notable destinations.
The Merchant of Venice - Milan Boutique is a popular choice, with many praising the service provided by Giuseppe, who is described as pleasant, patient, and professional. The store offers a unique experience, with perfumes packaged in Murano glass, and Giuseppe provides endless samples and explanations based on customers' preferences and the chemical composition of fragrances they currently use.
The Mazzolari boutique is another highly regarded option, with knowledgeable experts like Emilio on hand to introduce customers to new fragrances. The store features a range of exquisite scents hand-picked by Mr Mazzolari himself, creating a serious but unpretentious perfume shopping experience.
For those seeking niche perfumes, Profumo on Via Brera is the place to go. This store is the only location to buy Le Labo in all of Italy, offering a glorious brand showcasing the most exquisite ingredients.
The Avery Perfume Gallery is another must-visit destination. Located on the street of Corso Como, known for its many stores and cafes, this smart little shop exudes a Bond Street vibe with its blacks, bronzes, and greys. Inside, however, it's a colourful sensory exploration, stocking an experimental olfactive range, including niche brands like Blood Concept and Agonist.
Finally, the Acqua di Parma boutique on Via Montenapoleone, described as 'the most important street in Milan', is a stunning building with al fresco perfume spraying and a refreshing, delectable fragrance. Upon entering, you'll find a lounge to your left and a corner showcasing the Blue Mediterraneo collection to your right, designed to evoke the feeling of an Italian spa.
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$40.8
Buying perfume at Italian airports
When it comes to buying perfume at Italian airports, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is worth checking with your airline to see if they have made arrangements for duty-free shopping at the airport. Sometimes, certain items may not be available beyond the gate check-in.
Italian airports, like any other, typically offer a range of perfume brands and prices at their duty-free shops. While some travellers have found great deals at airport duty-free shops, others have noted that the prices can be high, especially when compared to discounters or online retailers. However, buying perfume at duty-free can be convenient, especially if you want a gift or a treat during a layover while waiting for your flight.
If you are looking for a specific brand or type of perfume, it is worth checking beforehand if it is available at the airport. Some airports may have a more limited selection, and it may be worth exploring other options, such as specialised fragrance shops in the city you are visiting. Additionally, it is essential to consider any restrictions on carrying liquids onboard, especially if you do not have checked luggage. Typically, only small amounts of liquid are allowed in carry-on luggage, so you may need to purchase a smaller size or consider other options if you plan to buy perfume at the airport.
Lastly, when purchasing perfume at Italian airports, it is essential to be mindful of any customs regulations and duties, especially if you are travelling internationally. Understanding these regulations will help ensure a smooth travel experience and allow you to make an informed decision about purchasing perfume at Italian airports.
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Italian perfume brands
Italy is known for its luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, and these qualities extend to its world-renowned perfume industry. The country's fragrant offerings range from historic fragrance houses to contemporary niche brands, blending artistry with innovation and using the finest ingredients to create unforgettable scents.
One of the most well-known Italian perfume brands is Gucci, which introduced its first fragrance, Gucci No. 1 for women, in 1974. Since then, the brand has partnered with renowned perfumers to create timeless and celebrated scents. Another iconic Italian fashion house, Giorgio Armani, has introduced more than 200 perfumes in the last few decades, with collections like Acqua di Gio, My Way, and Armani Code receiving much love from fragrance enthusiasts.
Other notable Italian perfume brands include Xerjoff, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional perfumes using premium raw materials, and Masque Milano, which takes a unique artistic approach to perfumery, drawing inspiration from Italian artistic and design traditions. Founded in 1968, Tiziana Terenzi is a family-owned niche perfume house based in Italy that is known for its impeccable craftsmanship and timeless fragrances.
For those seeking niche Italian fragrances, brands such as Francesca Dell'Oro, Laboratorio Olfattivo, Acqua dell'Elba, Meo Fusciuni, and Francesca Bianchi offer precious and original scents. Orto Parisi, a newer brand founded in 2014, has quickly become a cult favorite with its bold, animalistic, and raw scents designed to evoke the primal essence of the human body.
Italian artisan perfumeries reflect the cultural identity of the country, utilizing high-quality raw materials and local plants, fruits, and scents symbolizing the rich and varied Italian territory, from the citrus fruits of Sicily to the alpine herbs of the north.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy perfume in Rome at Sephora, Douglas, Campomarzio, HB Roma, Profumum Roma, and Profumeria Artistica Testaccio.
You can buy perfume in Florence at Santa Maria Novella, AquaFlor, Sileno Cheloni, and Lorenzo Villoresi.
You can buy perfume in Milan at Avery Perfume Gallery, Profumo, and Mazzolari.
Yes, some Italian perfume brands that are hard to find in the US include Santa Maria Novella, Acqua di Parma, and Acqua di Firenze.
Yes, there are duty-free shops at Ciampino Airport in Rome where you can buy perfume.
