The Art of Perfumery in Florence: A Timeless Tradition

Florence is a masterpiece of art and history, but did you know it also has a deep connection to perfume? For centuries, the city has been a hub for fragrance-making, blending science, nature, and creativity into luxurious scents. This tradition continues today, keeping Florence the perfect place to explore your scent expression.

The Medici and the Rise of Perfume

The perfume industry in Florence owes much to the famous Medici family. In the 1500s, Catherine de ‘Medici helped bring Florentine perfume to the world stage.

When she moved to France to marry King Henry II, she took her personal perfumer Renato Bianco, with her. His perfume grew widely popular, making Florence a leading city in the art of fragrance.

Monks and the First Florentine Perfumes

Before the Medici family, Florentine monasteries played a pivotal role in the perfume making industry. Monks at the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, started distilling flower and herbs in the 1200s. Their goal was to make medicinal remedies, but their fragrant waters soon became luxury items for nobles across Europe.

Bringing Tradition into the Present

Florence’s perfume heritage is still alive today. Local artisan perfumeries, like Feel Toscana, continues to create fragrances using both traditional and modern methods.

At Feel Toscana, you can even take part in a hands-on workshop to design your own personalized scent. It is a chance to learn about the history of perfume while crafting something 100% you!

Exploring the world of perfume in Florence isn’t just about smelling something beautiful. It’s about feeling every step of the process and learning who you are. Enjoy this centuries-old tradition, where fragrance tells a story and captures the essence of this incredible city through Feel Toscana!