Sunday, May 13, 2012

Oldest RX Source in Europe Turns 400

Photo courtesy of smnovella.it
Congrats to Officina Profumo-Farmaceuticadi Santa Maria Novella for turning 400 years old!

Believed to be the oldest pharmacy in Europe (1221), this historic treasure offered balms and medicinal herbs to the church's monks and Florence's poor.  It's been in continuous operation ever since and now sells mostly perfumes, lotions, and chocolates. We missed this stop on our last visit to Florence, but wish we hadn't.  Happy birthday!