Must-Buy Niche Perfume in Florence: An 800-Year-Old Heritage Brand

Step into the birthplace of the Renaissance and discover Santa Maria Novella—a legendary perfume house established in 1221, making it over 800 years old! 🕰️🌹 This August, SMN expanded its exquisite "Medici Garden" collection with two captivating new fragrances: Quercia (Oak) and Acqua (Clear Water). I was first drawn in by the elegant green bottle 🍾💚—but the scent completely won me over! While SMN is famously known for floral notes like "Rose of the Monastery" and "Jasmine," this new woody-aromatic surprise—Quercia—stands out beautifully. It preserves the herbal, subtly bitter base that echoes the brand’s apothecary origins, while blending classic wood notes with a hint of fruit and a delicate touch of boozy warmth �🍂. It smells like Florence itself: both radiant and deeply rooted in history. I picked up the 50ml bottle for €160 (12% tax refund available at the airport 🛒✈️), which is nearly double the price of their classic lines (usually around €85). But it’s worth every euro! 🌳 Quercia (Oak) — Scent Notes: Top: Lavender Heart: Patchouli, Vetiver Base: Oakwood This fragrance pays tribute to the historic Medici family 🏰👑, inspired by the ancient oak trees in their castle gardens. It captures the moment when sunlight filters through century-old branches—a warm, serene sanctuary in a bottle. The packaging itself is a masterpiece 📖✨, designed like a luxurious antique book reflecting the noble elegance of the Medici dynasty. Even the SMN logo evolved from the Medici coat of arms—a symbol of the family’s 400-year reign and their irreplaceable role in shaping the Renaissance. A scent not just to wear, but to experience. Perfect for those who love stories, history, and timeless elegance. #ItalianTravel #PerfumeLover #LuxuryScent #BeautifulBottles #ScentDiscovery #Florence #SMNPerfume #MediciGarden #MonasteryRose 🌸🍃