Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the epitome of elegance and charm. The city draws visitors from far and wide to appreciate Italian renaissance including stunning architecture, artistic masterpieces and culture.
Florence is entitled to more than one visit!
We had been to Florence before and were drawn back for a longer and closer look into the hidden nooks and crannies of this enchanting city.
Of course, we revisited old haunts, ambled across Ponte Vecchio, admired the Duomo, strolled around the Piazza della Signoria to admire the replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David and walked up to Piazzale Michelangelo to another replica of David cast in bronze overlooking the city. We savoured the amazing view and lost ourselves in the Botanical Garden and the streets winding our way back to the city.
View from winding paths of the Botanical Gardens in Florence
The bronze cast of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Statue of David in Piazzale Michelangelo
Included on our list for this visit was a place where fewer tourists visit.
Being a pharmacist in His past life, we often step inside pharmacies on our travels out of curiosity.
In Florence, He was particularly keen to visit a pharmacy we had read about, the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy.
Possibly one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, we felt we were stepping back in time and experiencing a taste of a modern day perfumery in one. It’s easy to miss the entrance to the pharmacy which is a relatively inconspicuous doorway adjacent to the Basilica Santa Maria Novella.
The pharmacy has a long history explained at intervals through the building. The pharmacy dates back to 1221 after the Dominican monks from the Basilica gained a reputation for the medicines and balms they made from the herbs they grew onsite and used in their hospital.
Today, it is described as more of a museum than a pharmacy. Visitors like us wander in to admire the beautifully restored frescoes which adorn the walls and ceilings as much as the old jars and containers that line the walls and purchase the unique elixirs, perfumes and soaps which are now made in a much larger facility off-site.
Some of the beautiful rooms inside the pharmacy and perfumery
Whether you intend to purchase or not, it is worth a detour to smell the aromas and perfumes and enjoy the sculptures, paintings and frescoes inside this unique piece of living history before
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