About us

The Antica Erboristeria e Spezieria San Simone is one of Florence’s oldest workshops. Founded in the early 18th century near the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova, it has, for more than three centuries, been a place where medical science and the empirical wisdom of herbal remedies meet in perfect harmony. Here, in the heart of the city, a precious tradition continues — that of the ancient Speziale, an alchemist and profound connoisseur of the therapeutic virtues of plants, flowers, and fruits, who skillfully prepared natural medicines, ointments, syrups, and elixirs. In ancient times, the Spezieria was a true workshop-laboratory — a forge of remedies and knowledge. As Tommaso Garzoni wrote in the 16th century, a Speziale needed not only tools and ingredients but also knowledge of medical science and language. Over the centuries, this art has evolved into a discipline that blends tradition, chemistry, and artisanal sensibility. Today, the Spezieria San Simone carries forward this ancient legacy, preserving the secret recipes of an old friar, a friend of the historic family of apothecaries who managed the shop for generations. These age-old formulas are now enriched by the modern studies of Dr. Fernanda Russo, a pharmacist who graduated from the University of Modena, specialized in Phytotherapy, and is the current owner. Dr. Russo has dedicated her life to the study of natural healing, combining scientific knowledge with a deep passion for the art of perfumery. The Erboristeria today holds more than 500 varieties of medicinal plants, used to prepare herbal teas and natural remedies designed to relieve the ailments and stress of modern life. Alongside its herbal tradition, San Simone has developed a refined artisanal perfumery laboratory, where original and exclusive perfumes and fragrances are born. Each creation is a harmonious blend of herbs, flowers, and fruits — evoking the atmosphere and scents of Florence, its ancient streets, and Renaissance charm — or carrying the senses to faraway, exotic worlds. Upon request, Dr. Russo offers her expertise to create bespoke, personalized fragrances, crafted to reflect the individuality and emotions of the wearer. Over time, the collection has expanded to include home fragrances and diffusers, featuring light, Mediterranean notes of citrus, flowers, and spices, all presented in elegant, timelessly designed bottles. Today, as three centuries ago, the Antica Erboristeria e Spezieria San Simone remains a unique place where science meets art — where every essence is born from a love of nature and a profound respect for a tradition that carries the scent of Florentine history, culture, and beauty.