The revered Italian apothecary brand, now a respected player in the world of luxury perfume and bodycare, has opened its first Melbourne flagship in the heart of The Royal Arcade.
With a history spanning centuries, Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Established by Dominican friars after their arrival in Florence in 1221, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastery’s garden to make medications, balms and ointments for their convent’s small infirmary. Over time the monks’ knowledge and expertise in herbal preparations and fragrances grew,and their products gained popularity beyond the monastery walls.
In 1612, Father Angiolo Marchissi was appointed head of the pharmacy, upon which the Grand Duke bestowed the title of His Royal Highness’ Foundry. The pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, as it became known, offered its exquisite fragrances and medicinal remedies to the people of Florence.
Throughout the centuries Santa Maria Novella continued to thrive. Today, its vast product offering includes colognes, hair care, oral hygiene, face and body care, soaps, wax products, room fragrances, and a barber line. Many of the brand’s original recipes and formulas have been preserved and are still used today, along with more modern creations uses natural ingredients still grown near Florence.
Santa Maria Novella’s Melbourne flagship boutique was designed by renowned Italian architect Filippo Burresi. The incredibly detailed and refined design blends tradition and innovation to represent the brand’s Florentine heritage and origin.
Following the successful opening of their two Sydney boutiques in Paddington and The Strand Arcade, customers in Melbourne can now experience the rich history and quality of the elegantly-packaged Santa Maria Novella products, which have been crafted using traditional methods of over 700 years. Explore scented wax tablets, potpourri silk sachets, terracotta fragrance diffusers, lotions, soaps, fragrances and plenty more.
