Sunday, March 27, 2016

Florence Sweet Smells. AquaFlor my new find


Photo from Santa Maria Novella web site
One of the best known perfumery in
Florence, Italy, Santa Maria Novella pharmacy, is a popular stop for visitors to Florence.   

Not far away, near the river Famacia Munsterman is another
historic pharmacy.  The Antica Mustermann offers hair and body care products and a wide assortment of custom scents. Just entering the farmacia you are stepping back in time. 

Photo from antica Munstermann web site



AquaFlor Firenze my new find.

Near the square of the Santa Croce church complex the
Serristori Corsini Antinori Palace houses the AquaFlor Firenze. 

The modern glass door did not prepare me for the amazing interior.   The shop is housed in the rooms of a 16th century palazzo with a large courtyard complete with ornate central well.



The enormous rooms of the shop stock men's and women's product on antique-type cabinets from floor to the soaring ceiling.  


Visitors are encouraged to test the large selection of scents and lotions.   An extensive variety of soaps in pastel hues are displayed on a table top that could accommodate a party of 40 or more!



                                               A large selection of soaps for men and women with original scents.
                                                   The perfect gifts were a selection of different 'companion' soaps.

The friendly staff encourages visitors to stay as long as they wish without any pressure to purchase.  From the Ciao Florence brochure I discovered a perfume class is offered by the Master perfumer Sileno Cheloni.  Attendees will learn how perfume is created from natural materials, oils and essences. 




The patient staff member answered all my questions about the products.   I was surprised to learn that at some times during the year some of the scents are not available because essential ingredients may only be available at limited times during the year.  


  



 The Aquaflor Firenze web site describes the boutique perfumery as:
"Aquaflor Firenze is an artisan perfumery with an elegant atmosphere dedicated to the craftsmanship of perfume. Perfumes carefully created with the use of high quality, raw materials and rare essences.
These can be customized by selecting a fragrance or scent to which each of us is intimately linked. The product line also includes organic soap, ambient fragrance, natural cosmetics, a shaving line, as well as bath salts treated with essential oils."
  







The choice of scents seems endless






Interested in learning about the process of creating scents?

https://www.ciaoflorence.it/#/en/tour-detail/114 

" Ciao Florence  offers an opportunity to visit the laboratory, learn about the creation of perfumes and scents and create one to take home with you."    


"PERFUME MASTERCLASS: A SENSORY EXPERIENCE!            

  • ½ DAY
  • 1 DAY
  • 03:00 PM...
  •                          

    Meet the Master perfumer Sileno Cheloni of Aquaflor Firenze and learn the techniques and secrets of this historical Florentine perfumery!

    The workshop will take place inside an intriguing and atmospheric laboratory, located within the historical cellars of the Renaissance Palazzo Corsini Antinori Serristori.

    Still an undiscovered treasure, AquaFlor boasts an invaluable collection of antiques which form the perfect backdrop to your unique sensory experience of these beautiful fragrances. You will relive the magical experience of alchemists and apothecaries residing here during Renaissance Florence, surrounded by unique glassware, ampules and rare essences from all over the world.

    Following the historical footprints of Catherine de Medici and René le Florentin, Master Sileno’s will guide you through the process which will ultimately lead to the creation of your own unique and ambient fragrance!

    At the end of the workshop you will be rewarded with a bottle of 100 ml (travel size) or 250 ml of your own personalized perfume, complete with formula. Each participant will also receive a certificate signed by Sileno Cheloni. This truly unique and authentic experience is not to be missed!!!
    BOOK THIS TOUR STARTING FROM 80€

    TOUR DETAILS

  • WHERE: Borgo Santa Croce, 6 (AquaFlor Boutique)
    DURATION: 2 hours
  • STARTS03:00 PM

  • HIGHLIGHTS  

    • Visit AquaFlor, an historical perfumery and laboratory where you will relive the magical experience of alchemists and apothecaries of Renaissance Florence!
    • Create your own ambient fragrance under the guidance of Sileno Cheloni, the master perfumer of Aquaflor
    • Take back home with you your own bottle of personalized perfume (100 ml), complete with formula!
                 INCLUDED

    • Welcome and visit to AquaFlor store and the artisanal laboratory
    • Introduction to the history of perfumery in Florence
    • Creation of an ambient fragrance from a kit of essences
    • 250 ml of your own personalized ambient perfume
    • Coffee Break (complimentary coffee, tea or water)
    • Certificate signed by the Master perfumer Sileno Cheloni

    Contact Ciao Florence to book your experience:
    www.ciaoflorence.it"
    Information on Ciao Florence tours must be confirmed directly with Ciao Florence since dates, prices and schedules may change.

    Photos above are the property of Home to Italy.  

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