We live on the 3rd floor of our apartment building. On the ground floor is a trattoria, which is essentially the way many apartment buildings are fashioned here in Florence. Every morning when we open our heavy wooden shutters, the sweet smell of onion sautéing in a pan usually wafts through our windows. You hear the clanking of dishes and glasses every once in awhile, and you know that someone's workday has begun. It is a very intoxicating smell.
The other day, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in yet another wonderful aroma - the smell of the gods. Lavender, rose, freesia, jasmine, and gardenia. These are just a few of the omnipotent fragrances that entrance you while visiting the infamous Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. This is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, founded by Dominican friars in 1221. Initially established to produce medicinal herbs, it now offers many preparations such as Elixir di Rose, Pomegranate Bath Salts, and Mimosa Eau de Cologne. The vast majority of these herbs are grown locally in the Florentine hills. One visit to this place leaves no question in your mind why it has withstood the ages.
