A true delight for the senses is Santa Maria Novella in Antwerp. The young Italian man who runs the place moved to Antwerp 8 years ago to study at the Fashion Academy. He explains that the story of his store goes way back. The ‘casa madre’ in Firenze, as he calls it, was originally a pharmacy founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrival in Florence. The pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications, balms and pomades for the monks' infirmary. It was in full operation as a commercial establishment by the mid 16th century. It is said that the products are still manufactured based on the centuries-old techniques used by the Dominican friars. The shop exudes elegance and good taste. The visitor comes out smelling like clover, sandalwood, citrus, bergamot or as their favorite soap, pomegranate.
Santa Maria Novella
Augustijnenstraat 39
Augustijnenstraat 39
2000 Antwerp
www.smnovella.it
my favorite brand!!! I once made a trip to Florence, just to buy some of their products. My husband still tells the story of that 'incredibly expensive soap' we use!!! But we both smell as roses.
ReplyDeleteAgain very nice photos and intersting information. I like your blog very much. Even in Cista Rica I follow your blog. Every time it is a surprise to see what you and your camera have 'seen'!!
ReplyDeleteNon sapevo che c'e un negozio di Santa Maria Novella a Antwerpen ; buona notizia, mi piace tanto !
ReplyDeleteA dopo !
Anni, t is fantastisch wat je doet met je foto's! ik zie je ook op een heel discrete en integere manier contacten leggen met al die interssante mensen die voor je camera opduiken! Jij geeft het idee dat elke dag een beetje reizen is, dat je overal bijzonderheden kan opmerken, als je maar met de juiste blik kijkt en je tijd neemt! Doe zo voort!!
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