Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Founded by Dominican friars in 1221, the year of their arrival in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the monks' infirmary. Santa Maria Novella products, including colognes, soaps, bath and body products, ancient preparations are still hand made on site in Florence, according to age old recipes and artisans methods. (less)