"Childhood smells of perfume and brownies." (David Leavitt)

MDC's perfume bottle

How many beautiful moments of our lives are linked to a particular scent, capable of bringing them back from the dark of a forgotten time... Thousands are the memories that our brain keeps hidden and returns to us, as soon as we stumble into that specific smell. Whether it's the one of just cut grass, or of springtime rain, scents always refer to emotions. Probably, this is the reason why I love so much all that deals with perfumes, including scented candles, pot-pourris, creams and soaps. 
Rome encounters innumerable commercial perfumeries, but only a few, whose highly qualified personnel and exclusive products, are able to drag you in the fascinating world of smells. These are my favorite ones and if you visit them, you'll easily understand why.


CAMPOMARZIO70                                           Via Vittoria, 52

Don't call it a shop, this is a perfume-gallery. 

A bridge onto the future of scent.

The achievement of a passion, that has motivated four family generations from the 1940s. 

In this sophisticated store, near Piazza di Spagna, the very heart of Rome,  take place also exhibitions and olfactive events. 
And it is the only authorized retailer, in the whole of Italy, of MDC's perfume collection, whose bottles are themselves a unique piece of art.

campomarzio70.it

OFFICINA PROFUMO-FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA                                            Corso Rinascimento, 47

This is the roman branch of the more famous pharmacy in Florence, that was opened to the public by Dominican monks in 1612. Though far less impressive and fascinating than the one in Tuscany, from an architectural point of view, the Officina carries all of "its sister's" products. From perfumes to cosmetics, from lotions (even for cats and dogs!) to pot-pourris, everything is based on all-natural formulas, keeping the tradition going. In 2012, the oldest pharmacy in Italy will celebrate its 400 hundred years activity. 
smnovella.it