Basilica of Saint Maria Novella and Officina Profumo Farmaceutica - Small group

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Church of Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 50123, Florence Italy

You will meet your local guide at the entrance of the Basilica where you can appreciate its marvellous, multi-coloured marble facade. The Basilica dominates this elegant square where the Palio dei Cocchi is held, one of the most competitive traditions dating from the Renaissance period. Your guide will recount the story of the Frati Domenicani who founded the church at the beginning of the XIII century. Inside the Basilica you can admire the main works of art from 1200 to 1400. Standing out is Giotto‘s magnificent crucifix and the Holy Trinity an alfresco by Masaccio, Giambologna‘s incredible bronze crucifix and a series of famous frescoes by Ghirlandaio.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Via della Scala 16, 50123, Florence Italy

Your guide will then accompany you to The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica, the oldest operating pharmacy in the world. Founded with the influence of the Medici family, the laboratory continues to prepare perfume based on the formula created for Caterina de’ Medici, Acqua di Colonia later named Acqua della Regina which was her favourite perfume.Amongst the different preparations there is Aceto aromatico dei Sette Ladri, used in the event of fainting and Acqua di Santa Maria Novella for controlling hysterics. Discover the various rooms and their history, admiring the vaulted ceilings and alfrescoes on the walls.

The tour ends once leaving the pharmacy.

Duration: 30 minutes