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Shopping in Florence, Italy?
A few years ago, I was in Venice taking a mosaic workshop with my friend Sarah. She insisted on making a detour to Florence - for bubble bath. I've spent a combined three months of my life in Florence, but I was unaware of the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella and its allure.
Founded by the Dominican friars of the Church of Santa Maria Novella in 1612, the pharmacy was originally a dispensary for their medicines, ointments and salves. Entering the store, located in a 13th-century chapel with its frescoed ceilings intact, I was surrounded by antique wooden shelves, pharmacy equipment and majolica urns. Three large rooms contain perfumes, essential oils, soaps and potpourri, all packaged to make beautiful take-home gifts. I never found Sarah's coveted lavender bubble bath. She had to settle for a bar of deliciously scented soap instead.
Details: www.smnovella.it.
And if you must take home a piece of artwork, stop at Pitti Mosaici, one of several pietra dura (hard stone) workshops. Artists using inlaid marble and semi-precious stones create intricate landscapes, flora and fauna.
Details: www.pittimosaici.com
