As someone who is passionate about art, it’s in my nature to share my love for Florence’s history with the many people who join me on tours. And while I like to think I’m on top of all there is to know about this part of the world, I am constantly learning new things.
Luckily, Florence has a reputation as a creative hub. Which means that there is a long list of inventions that have their roots in Florentine history and plenty of opportunities for me to say: ‘But this is from Florence too?’
History buffs like myself will gladly tell you that the opera, the name America (which comes from Amerigo Vespucci), the telephone (invented by Meucci), ice cream and many common sayings are in fact the work of local Florentines.
Another place to find interesting facts about Florence is the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy. (You can enter the pharmacy from Via della Scala.) Originally part of the Santa Maria Novella monastery, the pharmacy is a famous landmark in Florence due to its history as a sought-after apothecary.
The enormous popularity of that place is due to the healing potions, herb-based remedies and famous fragrances that were (and continue to be) created there. As washing was not yet a common practice, those who could afford it, used to wear perfume to mask any unpleasant odors.
On the topic of perfume, it is probably a good idea to mention Caterina de’ Medici, Lorenzo de Medici’s daughter, who married the King Henry of France’s second-born son, around the mid-XVI century. Among the many things she introduced to the French, she also taught them about a particular liquid, that both smelled good and was lighter than the perfumes they would normally use. The liquid was immediately referred to as “The Queen’s Water”.
They say that another Italian, this time Giovanni Paolo Feminis, was also responsible for sharing “The Queen’s Water”. In 1725, after moving to Cologne, Feminis is said to have produced the same water, changing its name to Eau de Cologne, as a tribute to the city.
So, okay, technically this particular fragrance comes from Cologne, but a part of it also comes from Italy and is linked to the Florentine Medici family!
Travel tips:
If you are interested in perfumes, essences, spirits and food in a particular environment rich of history go to the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in the Via della Scala.
It ‘s true that now the Pharmacy is a brand with stores located in different cities of the world, but the atmosphere inside the Pharmacy of Florence is unique! There you can find the “real” cologne.