BEAUTIFUL FROM EVERY ANGLE. florence

OFFICINA PROFUMO-FARMACEUTICA di SANTA MARIA NOVELLA. florence

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world (located on Via della Scala).
Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrivaI in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the monks’ infirmary.  The apothecary still uses the monks’ ancient recipes to this day.  The space is beautiful, and so are the products, although very expensive.  I was also in love with the extensive use of the SMN logo…a very lovely place to visit!

SANTA MARIA NOVELLA. florence

GIARDINO di BOBOLI & BARDINI. florence

Giardino di Boboli, part of Palazzo Pitti, is a gorgeous and very expansive complex of manicured gardens.  It is a great way to spend a couple of hours, and can be paired with Giardino Bardini to have a great day outside…bring a picnic!

DUOMO. florence

Usually when I am going to visit a new city, I do extensive amounts of research, and almost feel that I have been before I step off the plane.  I did not get to do this before my trip to Italy, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything I saw…this may be a new trend in the way I travel (still had to look up restaurant recommendations though…no one likes to be out in the cold on those important things!).

SCULPTURES. florence

IN FLORENCE!

My favorite city in the world.