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It is generally claimed that the cradle of perfume art was in France, more precisely: in Grasse. Our French neighbor, however, is not the only European country that can look back on a long tradition in perfume production. The German favorite holiday destination Italy also has a lot to offer in this regard, and of course here too a particular city is mainly closely linked to the subject of perfume art - Florence.
Florence is often referred to as “Italian Athens” - due to its outstanding cultural importance, its artistic and architectural heritage, as well as the cradle of the Renaissance and the Italian cradle of perfume. The capital of Tuscany, one of the most beautiful cities in the world according to Forbes Magazine, has a long history of perfume manufacturing. Furthermore, in the surrounding hills there is a plant that has become indispensable from the world of olfactory factors and has even made it onto the coat of arms: the iris.
An iris, really? The stylized flower on the coat of arms is known as a Florentine lily, actually - because the flower is actually an iris, ergo an iris. Why this came to the coat of arms as a motif is still controversial. A historian theory relates to the prevailing religiosity, the cult of Mary and the corresponding symbolism of the iris, which stands for purity and fidelity.
Today, in Giardino dell'Iris, which opened in 1957, you can get an idea of what it used to be like in the outskirts of the city, when the landscape and thus the flora of it was even more original. The iris garden is home to several hundred different types of iris and is open to the public when it blooms in May - a visit to it is a must if you are in town at that time!
To this day, Florence is home to many perfume houses and perfumers, some of which can be visited - ideal sightseeing tips for perfumists!
PLEASE NOTE FOR THE NEXT FLORENCE STAY
The well-known niche fragrance brand resides in a venerable Renaissance palazzo in the middle of the wonderful Santa Croce district.
WOOD 1920
The Galardi family is one of the best-known Florentine families in the world of niche fragrances and operates a remarkable boutique at its headquarters.
DR VRANJES FIRENZE
Paolo Vranje's work as a perfumer goes back to the early 1999s. However, he became famous for his room fragrances, which he has been making since XNUMX and which are very popular worldwide. The family business, which is headquartered in Florence, operates some boutiques here. Definitely test: Rosso Nobile, the house's bestseller.
FARMACIA SS.ANNUNZIATA DAL 1561
The history of Farmacia SS. Annunziata can be traced back to 1561, when the herbal specialist and chemist Domenico di Vincenzo di Domenico Brunetti moved into the pharmacy business, which was previously run by Benedictine nuns. Unfortunately, the documents relating to its history were lost during the French occupation of Tuscany in the 19th century. The pharmacy then changed hands several times until it was acquired by the Azzerlini family, who have been running it for three generations.
LORENZO VILLORESI FIRENZE
Villoresi can rightly be said that he is one of the very old "hands" in the world of niche fragrances - his brand has been around since 1990. In the Villoresi boutique you can immerse yourself in the fragrant world of the maestro you are if you are lucky you will also meet there personally.
OFFICINA PROFUMO FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
The Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella was founded by Dominican monks in 1221 as part of the Santa Maria delle Vigne monastery and has been open ever since. In 1612 it was first mentioned in writing as a public pharmacy at its current location, which is not only fragrant, but also an architecturally unique experience. The brand has been owned by the family of the last church pharmacy manager for over four generations.
We are very happy with WOOD 1920 and Farmacia SS. Annunziata dal 1561 To be able to offer two exceptionally beautiful brands at Understateman, two excellent examples of the outstanding Florentine perfume art.
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