Since 1709, Farina has been shaping the history of modern perfumery. Johann Maria Farina founded the oldest perfume factory in the world in Cologne and created a new genre of fragrance with Eau de Cologne. This scent conquered the European royal courts and captivated personalities such as Napoleon, Goethe, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and Queen Victoria.

To this day, the company remains in family hands. The eighth and ninth generations of the Farina family preserve the original *Eau de Cologne* and continue to produce it in Cologne according to a closely guarded recipe.

More than 300 years after its founding, the oldest perfume factory in the world is still run by the Farina family. Johann Maria Farina leads the company in the eighth generation together with his daughter Christina Maria Louise Farina, who is the first woman to succeed directly in the family line.

The original Eau de Cologne is still produced in Cologne today and remains a timeless classic, the recipe of which is strictly guarded.

Johann Maria Farina is born in Santa Maria Maggiore, Italy. Early on, he learns the art of distillation and develops a keen sense for high-quality essences.

Johann Maria Farina moves to Cologne and founds the oldest perfume factory in the world. Here he creates a revolutionary scent by combining for the first time bergamot and other citrus oils with pure alcohol. He names this scent Eau de Cologne - in honor of his new hometown. The name later becomes the term for an entire fragrance category and marks the beginning of modern perfumery.

The Eau de Cologne conquers the European royal courts. Prominent customers include Emperor Charles VI, the King of Prussia, and Clemens August of Bavaria. Farina's creation sets new standards and becomes a symbol of elegance and exclusivity.

During the French occupation of Cologne, soldiers and officers spread the scent throughout Europe. Napoleon and the Bonaparte family become loyal customers of the Farina company.

The success of Eau de Cologne has led to thousands of imitations. The name is used worldwide, but the scent itself remains a closely guarded secret of the Farina family. All imitations are based on different compositions and never achieve the original quality.

Jean Marie Farina (a later generation) introduces measures to protect the brand. These efforts result in the introduction of the first German trademark protection law in 1874, protecting the name "Johann Maria Farina gegenüber dem Jülichsplatz".

The Eau de Cologne remains a favorite among European rulers. Famous customers include Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria, Emperor Franz Joseph, Queen Victoria, and Goethe.

Introduction of the iconic red tulip logo, which still stands today as a symbol of Farina's originality and quality.

In the historic Farina House in Cologne, the Fragrance Museum opens. It tells the story of the world's oldest perfume factory and the concept of Eau de Cologne.

Johann Maria Farina (8th generation) becomes Bergamot Ambassador to honor the historical connection between Farina and this essential ingredient. To this day, Bergamot is sourced directly from farmers in Reggio Calabria.

Johann Maria Farina