Olfactory Odes to Italy – Fragrances Capturing a Nation’s Soul
Italy has long been a land where artistry, nature, and sensuality entwine, and nowhere is this more evident than in its fragrant legacy. While France is often crowned the perfume capital of the world, the roots of European perfumery run deep through Italian soil.
The Renaissance courts of Florence and Venice were cradles of olfactory innovation, and it was Catherine de Medici who, upon marrying into the French royal family, carried the secrets of Italian scent to Paris – her perfumer, Renato Bianco, later known as René le Florentin, helped ignite France’s passion for perfume. From the ancient Roman baths to the bustling apothecaries of Florence, Italy’s devotion to fragrance has shaped the very way the world experiences scent.
Even today, Italian perfumes – and those inspired by this so-beloved holiday destination – are celebrated for their luminous citrus, sun-drenched florals, and a certain effortless elegance that captures the spirit of la dolce vita. It is this sense of place, memory, and emotion that continues to inspire perfumers and perfume lovers alike, drawing us back, time and again, to the heart of Italy.
Oh, let’s go there now, shall we…?
The Merchant of Venice Rosa Moceniga Elixir
A trio of roses unfurls in this opulent tribute to Venetian gardens, where Turkish rose, rose absolute, and a rare essence from the Villa Mocenigo Park intertwine with sparkling notes of orange, lemon, and pear. Vanilla, musk, and Amberwood lend a creamy, golden warmth, creating a fragrance that is at once lush and luminous – a modern ode to the eternal romance of the rose.
£206 for 100ml eau de parfum elixir escentual.com
PS: If you’d like to properly swoon at some Venetian photos, and learn all about the history of the original Rosa Moceninga eau de parfum fragrance, do have a fragrant flit to read my fulsome account of a gorgeous press trip I was lucky enough to go on (including a visit to the astounding Museo del Profumo), some years ago, in: A fragrant voyage to the city of romance…
Acqua di Parma Buongiorno
A radiant greeting to the day, this scent is a celebration of Italian mornings – aromatic and sparkling with lemon, rosemary, and spearmint, brushed by basil and petitgrain. A heart of mandarin and lavandin glimmers, while the base of cedarwood, white musks, and amber evokes sun-warmed terraces and the tranquil luxury of simple pleasures.
£143 for 50ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com
Tocca Stella
Blood orange and bitter orange dance with watery notes in this vivacious composition, conjuring the sunlit charm of Italian citrus groves. Freesia, lily, and orchid lend a flirtatious floral heart, grounded by sandalwood and musk. Stella is an exuberant, breezy fragrance – effortlessly sensual, brimming with the spontaneity and passion of an Italian summer.
£85 for 50ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com
Laboratorio Olfattivo Pompelmo
A tribute to the bittersweet beauty of grapefruit, Pompelmo is crisp and lively, with zesty grapefruit and earthy vetiver at its core. Pink pepper and mastic add an aromatic lift, while patchouli in the base brings a sophisticated depth. The result is a fragrance that feels both invigorating and refined, capturing the brightness and complexity of Italian citrus.
£83 for 100ml parfum Cologne frmoda.com
DOLCE&GABBANA Devotion Man
Sicilian lemons shine in this evocative scent, inspired by the tradition of serving espresso with a twist of lemon. A spark of citrus is joined by the richness of patchouli and the subtle depth of coffee, creating an addictive, woody-spicy blend. Devotion Man is both a nod to Italian heritage and a modern classic – a fragrance that lingers like a cherished memory.
£83 for 50ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.com
Italy’s fragrant legacy is woven through centuries, from Renaissance palaces to sunlit piazzas, and these perfumes are its modern storytellers. Each of the scents we’ve selected here in this little olfactive edit represents an invitation to journey through landscapes of citrus, blossom, and warmth, capturing the spirit of a country where scent is both an art and a way of life.
How glorious that to wear these fragrances is to carry a piece of Italy with you – wherever you may wander – which we can all travel to whenever we want, with a single scented spritz. Bellissimo!
Written by Suzy Nightingale