"One of the oldest herbal pharmacies in the world, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella now has locations in London, New York, and Tokyo, among others; but it was founded in this beautiful frescoed chapel in 1221 by Dominican monks and opened to the public in 1612. As soon as you walk in, the scent of the signature potpourri—a mix of herbs and flowers from the Tuscan hills—fills the air. Mahogany-and-glass cabinets in the main vaulted, frescoed chapel are filled with glass bottles of oils and perfumes, skin and body lotions, the brand's exquisite trademark soaps (in rose, pomegranate, iris, and more). Visit the back room to see the brand's famous herbal concoctions: Baby Relax for a fretful infant, tisanes, or herbal teas (like the excellent Mouse Ear Hawkweed), and the famous Acqua di Santa Maria Novella elixir, an 'anti-hysteria' remedy." - Nicky Swallow
