Healing Artworks: Searching for Gifts at the World's Oldest Pharmacy, "Santa Maria Novella," Originating from Florence♡

Do you know Santa Maria Novella?

It seems like a great choice for birthday gifts for women or wedding reception thank-you gifts, and the giver would be praised for their good taste, feeling proud♡

I discovered a wonderful cosmetic brand that can inspire such thoughts.

It's called "Santa Maria Novella"♩

Known as the world’s oldest pharmacy, it creates products based on the philosophy of natural healing and preventive medicine using natural herbs.

It has been loved by the Medici family and Napoleon in the past, and has had numerous historic users among European royalty and nobility.

The History of Santa Maria Novella

In the ancient city of Florence, Italy, in 1221, two monks started medical care in a small church, which marked the beginning of Santa Maria Novella.

This monastery later became the Santa Maria Novella Church, now a famous tourist spot♩

Later, they began selling rose water with disinfectant properties against the plague that spread throughout Europe and officially gained recognition as a pharmacy in 1612.

They produced perfumes, creams, and soaps, which gained great trust from the royalty of the time and grew to earn the title of "royal supplier."

In the 19th century, however, under Napoleon who conquered Italy, the activities of the monastery were restricted, leading to a temporary closure. They persuaded the necessity of their medicines and reopened on the condition of paying rent to the French government.

The survival of the business was attributed to the tireless efforts of the pharmacy director and the Dominican Order...

Santa Maria Novella embodies the monks' philosophy of care and healing with the following attitudes:

- Unreservedly devoting both time and effort

- Not conducting any animal testing

- Using naturally cultivated plants and natural fats

- Manufactured under strict scrutiny down to the finest details

This is how they have operated until now.

Their commitment to maintaining their traditional manufacturing methods and techniques without change showcases their dedication.

(Such ethical and eco-friendly commitment has recently attracted attention, but it’s incredible that they have upheld it for over 800 years.)

Here are some recommended items from Santa Maria Novella for gifts♡

Santa Maria Novella Item ①

This iconic product from Santa Maria Novella is the Eau de Cologne.

It was commissioned by Caterina di Medici, the queen of France, to be made by Dominican friars when she married Henry II.

With a refreshing scent of bergamot and citrus, it is also known as the historic fragrance “Queen’s Water”♩

There are about 40 different fragrances of Eau de Cologne available.

Price: 100ml 17,280 yen

Santa Maria Novella Item ②

This is a special soap. It combines plant-based oils and milk, matured slowly in a natural environment, produced using traditional methods.

The subtly fragrant floral aroma is popular♩

The packaging is also stylish.

Price: 100g 2,484 yen

Santa Maria Novella Item ③

The vibrant taboretta potpourri (air freshener) is also available♡ Made of hard wax and crafted from the fruits, leaves, and petals of self-grown plants from the hills of Tuscany.

The pink box is charming♩

Price: 2 pieces 4,320 yen

Santa Maria Novella Item ④

Here is a moisturizing lip balm. Rich in plant-based oils such as sesame and apricot, it helps keep your lips plump and hydrated.

Using truly good, time-honored products not only benefits the skin but can also enhance your mood♡

Price: 10ml 4,968 yen

Santa Maria Novella Item ⑤

Santa Maria Novella also offers refreshing oral tablets.

The recipe was devised by Angelo Marchi, the first pharmacy director in the 1600s, and has continued to be produced to this day♩

The flavor features a refreshing mint aroma. It’s a tablet I would love to try.

Price: 40g 2,160 yen

Santa Maria Novella Item ⑥

Lastly, we have body milk. It is an excellent care product that keeps your skin healthy and hydrated all over.

The scent is the same as the Eau de Cologne, so it smells wonderful. Even those who don’t wear cologne will appreciate it♩

Price: 250ml 10,800 yen

Where are the shops located?

Santa Maria Novella has no online store, and all products are sold only in physical stores. There are 8 locations in Tokyo, 2 in Osaka, and one each in Hokkaido, Sendai, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

For those at a distance, they also take orders with cash on delivery.

(The shop's atmosphere is also beautifully European♡)

➡ Click here for the shop list

Attention to Santa Maria Novella＊

Feel the approximately 800 years of history from the long-established beauty brand "Santa Maria Novella"♡

Especially the solid soaps and taboretta potpourri are recommended to be purchased together as thank-you gifts for receptions or entertaining offers.

➡ Click here for the homepage