Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy/Perfumery Hours?

I don't know if this website is up-to-date, but I think these were the hours when I was in Florence a couple of years ago.

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=154048

Why is it famous?

Jean, thanks so much. I'm sure that info is good and those hours are great because I'll be able to pop in as I head back to the train station after my busy day. Viajero, it's famous because it's been around for a very long time, producing quality products. Obviously, I haven't been yet, but I've read about the shop in travel magazines and in papers such as the NY Times, as well as hearing raves about it from people who have been. I've heard it's expensive, so I might not buy anything, but it certainly sounds like it will be fun to take a peek.

We were there last fall and I think it was towards evening because we ate dinner somewhere close by. I was a little disappointed after all I read about it. But then I have allergies so many of the scents were not good for me.

We did buy some soap. I thought it was expensive.

bratsandbeer, do you remember how much you paid for the soap? Somebody I work with has asked me to bring back a set of bars.

I found it fascinating and, though the items for sale are expensive (I am thinking the soap was about $10 a bar for the large bath soap size?), it is a museum as well as a store. They have honey as well as a vast array of beautifully packaged toiletry items.

Yes, of course you can find less expensive soaps, but my gifts of olive-oil and honey-based soaps from this store were very well-received by the women on my gift list.

I think I read a Tripadvisor report that soap is 9 euros per bar.

I was in Rome just recently and visited the Santa Maria Novella store which is tiny compared to the one in Florence. I think the soap was 10 euros. I was looking at the almond hand cream as a gift because I had read so much about it. It was 25 euros for a small jar (maybe 1 ounce) and the package wasn't so attractive for this item or the soap. I guess I was looking for the same type of floral designed boxes that holds their essential oils/perfumes. The small bottle of essence oils sells for 25 euros.

When I was in Florence three years ago I went to this store because I was curious after reading about it. The store is much larger than the one in Rome. I did buy a bottle of the essence oils for a girlfriend who is into oils and candles and she loved it. I remember it was hard to make a decision on what fragrance to choose (Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Vanilla etc.) luckily I made the right choice. The store is expensive so it helps to know what fragrance your gift recipients like. Have fun!

You might want to take a look at this thread if you are planning a visit and contemplating what to purchase:





http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/santa-maria-novella-products.cfm