Italian cosmetics store and heritage pharmacy Santa Maria Novella has two locations in Hong Kong, one within Harbour City’s Gateway Arcade (3-27 Canton Road) and another at IFC Mall (1 Harbour View Street). (UPDATE 2021: THE SHOPS HAVE CLOSED)
Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies still operating in the world, as it was originally established (under the name Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella) by Dominican monks in 1221 in Florence, Italy.
The first products at the Dominican monks’ pharmacy were made using medicinal herbs that were cultivated in their convent garden for medications, balms, pomades, and ointments.
Fra’Angiolo Marchissi opened the pharmacy to the public in 1612, becoming shortly thereafter an official supplier to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
The fame of the Santa Maria Novella products and formulas spread far and wide during the 18th century, reaching even Russia, India, and China.
After church properties were confiscated by the state in 1866, Santa Maria Novella’s management was passed for the first time to the hands of a secular, Cesare Augusto Stefani, who was the nephew of the last friar of the workshop.
Today, the company’s tradition continues in terms of using only the highest quality raw materials and following the craftsmanship of the original Dominican brothers.
The main categories of products available at the stores are Ancient Preparations, Cosmetics (body, for men, face, soap, hands and feet, hair, sun line, aetas salubris, for children), Fragrances (aromatic water, eau de cologne)…
…Home Fragrances (pot- pourri, for closets and drawers, room fragrances, incenses), Wax Products, Products for Dogs and Cats, as well as Accessories (leather line, ceramics, silverplate, terry cloth).
Santa Maria Novella Cosmetics Shop Locations in Hong Kong (UPDATE 2021: THE SHOPS HAVE CLOSED)
Santa Maria Novella Harbour City
3-27 Canton Road, Level 3, Shop Kiosk 3F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
www.smnovella.com
Santa Maria Novella IFC Mall
1 Harbour View Street, Shop 3005A, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall
Central, Hong Kong
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-8pm
www.smnovella.com
The official Facebook brand page for Santa Maria Novella Hong Kong is located at www.facebook.com/smnhongkong.
Following the Facebook page, you’ll learn more about the available Santa Maria Novella products, the company’s heritage, promotions in Hong Kong, and much more.