In this article, I present the history of perfume in Venicea city considered to be the perfume capital of Europe!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the perfume tradition in Venice
- Where can you learn more about perfume in Venice?
- How can I buy Venetian perfumes?
- Practical information and my advice
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on perfume in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Parfum Venise: article summary
Parfum Venise: discover the art of perfume!
Venetian culture is incredibly rich, and one of the arts you might not immediately think of when you think of the Serenissima is that of Perfumery.
And yet, the tradition of Venetian perfume dates back in the 11th century and has survived the centuries right up to the present day! Lovers of good smells and refinement, discover with me this ancestral art.
The perfume tradition in Venice
From the middle ages and for centuries, Venice was one of the main cities for trade with the East and Middle East. The boats poured into the Venice lagoon and merchants from various horizons transported, among other things, spices which will be used to make the perfumes.
At that time, body odor were no problem for the populace, and it's hard to imagine the stench that must have emanated from the streets of the Serenissima...
When Teodora Ana Ducenaa Byzantine princess, married Doge Domenico Selvo in 1075, bringing with her a strange tradition: that of perfume. In the east of the world, people already used perfumes to mask bad smells!
Many find her too precious, with her manners and what they consider to be whims. In addition to spraying herself with products to make herself smell good, the young woman rinses her hands in scented water bowls before eating and requires a fork to grip her food as she doesn't want to eat with her fingers.
Little by little, the rich venetians The idea of covering disturbing odors gained ground over the following centuries. The idea of covering disturbing odors gained ground over the following centuries, and Venice, taking advantage of the products transiting through its ports, developed a complete art of perfumery.
Perfume, but also soaps and incenseIn the 16th century, the Serenissima became the perfume capital of Europe. A tradition that would spread to neighbouring countries and continue to this day!
Facts and figures
- Attention to personal care became essential in Renaissance Venice. A text - Notandissimi Secreti dell'Arte Profumatoria - lists over 300 recipes for perfumes, incense and other methods to get rid of unpleasant odours!
- The creator of Eau de Cologne is an Italian - Jean Marie Farina - which settled in Cologne, Germany, in the 18th century. His creation made perfume more accessible!
- In Venice, you'll see streets of Saoneriwhich refer to the manufacturers of (perfumed) soaps. During the heyday of the Venetian Republic, the city boasted as many as 40 of them.
Palazzo Mocenigo, Venice's perfume museum
If you want to learn more about the history of perfume in Venice, you absolutely must visit Palazzo Mocenigo. This beautiful building is the center of fabric, costume and perfume in Venice.
Founded in 2013 by the Vidal familycreator of perfumes since 1900 and wealthy owners of the company Mavive which owns the luxury perfume brand The Merchant of VeniceThis is the place to discover the history of Venetian perfumery.
What can you see in Palazzo Mocenigo?
In addition to sublime frescoes and period furniture that cover the walls and fill the rooms of this 16th-century building, you'll discover a complete exhibition devoted to Perfumes.
Visit 5 rooms serves up a highly interesting tour, featuring period documents, a perfume laboratory, olfactory experiences and multimedia. It's a masterpiece that reveals how fragrances are made, where ingredients come from and how Venice became an expert in the field.
In addition, an exhibition perfume bottles and flasks from centuries gone by, you'll discover some real gems!
How to get to Palazzo Mocenigo
Palazzo Mocenigo is located in the district of Santa Croce > see the Venice Map.
It's within easy walking distance of the main districts, including nearby San Polo, where you'll find Rialto Bridge ! But you can also borrow a Vaporetto and get off at the stop St Stae.
- Address: Santa Croce - Salizada San Stae 1992, 30135 Venice
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Prices: 10 euros for an adult ticket / 7.5 euros reduced price for 6-14 year olds, students and over 65s / free for children under 6.
Tickets can be purchased at the official museum website.
Where to buy perfume in Venice?
If you'd like to see some of Venice's lovely perfume boutiques and/or buy some bottles, here's the place to be. 3 addresses to visit.
La libreria dei profumi Studium
Not far from the Place Saint Marcyou'll find this amazing bookshopThe second floor is dedicated to perfume. Managed by the The Merchant of VeniceThe place offers an interesting olfactory experience and the largest collection of texts dedicated to the art of perfume in Venice.
Address: S. Marco, 337, 30124 Venezia
La Bottega Cini
Also owned by the famous The merchant of venice, this store is a museum store where you can buy various perfumery products, books on the subject and colorful bottles.
Address: Dorsoduro, 862, 30123 Venice
L'antica Farmacia di San Fantin
Like the previous location, this boutique museum is run by the luxury Venetian perfume brand. It is located in a former pharmacyA unique atmosphere. Lovers of unusual tours will be delighted!
Address: Campo S. Fantin, 1895, 30124, Venice
Parfum Venise: advice and practical information
Perfume lovers with budgets to match will find everything they need in Venice. Some products are unique and even if you're not planning to buy anything, the museums and stores are well worth a visit.
This will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's history and travel back in timethrough one of its most important elements. Yet it's not the first thing you think of when you're organizing a a stay in Venice !
And if you are traditional arts enthusiastI warmly invite you to visit Muranothe island famous for its glassmaking. Some of Venice's perfume bottles are made there!
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