Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio
Founded About 1990 (the official site says it has been active for 36 years)
Pharmacist and botanist Dr Giovanni Di Massimo started this house, and it is now run by the second generation of his family. It makes perfumes, cosmetics and herbal products inspired by Florence's Renaissance spice-shop tradition. The shop sits on Via Vacchereccia, a few steps from Palazzo Vecchio.
Hours and prices change, so check with the shop before you go.
A pharmacist's Renaissance perfumes on Via Vacchereccia
Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio was started by Giovanni Di Massimo, a pharmacist since 1965 and a student of the plant world. The house says it was founded in Florence 36 years ago, and it is now a second-generation family company. Francesca Di Massimo carries the project on as herbalist and artistic director.
Its own perfumes sit in the Collezione Rinascimento, the Renaissance collection, and they lean on the city's past. Di Massimo drew on Experimenti, a late 15th-century manuscript of recipes for perfumed waters, cosmetics and remedies compiled by Caterina Sforza de' Medici, ruler of Imola and Forli. The house says its fragrances are crafted in the heart of Florence and use natural raw materials generously. The shop also sells cosmetics, supplements and products from other independent Italian makers.
Its own shop is at Via Vacchereccia 9r in Florence, a street that Visit Tuscany includes on its perfume walk through the city. A 50 ml Renaissance parfum costs 72 euros and the 100 ml costs 94 euros. Try Acqua Mirabile Odorosa di Firenze first: it is named for the city and pictures a spring morning walk along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio.
- Acqua Mirabile Odorosa di FirenzeAn early spring walk along the Arno, over the Ponte Vecchio and into the Palazzo Pitti gardens, in blackcurrant, peach and rose.
- Caterina de' MediciBuilt on one of the recipes in Caterina Sforza's manuscript as a tribute to her life, with chamomile, jasmine and tuberose.
- Florentia 24Florence in spring, when mimosa blooms in the city's gardens while the trees are still bare.
- CashmereA green floral of angelica, galbanum, rose and lily of the valley over sandalwood and vanilla.
- Vaniglia del MadagascarHoneysuckle, green notes, vanilla and cream, made for light and carefree moments.
Where to buy
- Own shop, Via Vacchereccia 9r, Florence
In our city guides
- Spezierie Palazzo Vecchio (Boutique, Florence)