Antica Farmacia - Spezieria di S. Maria della Scala
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Opening times
Information
The pharmacy can be visited by appointment by email: anticafarmaciadellascala@gmail.com
Description
Located on the first floor of the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites, the ancient Spezieria was originally established for the needs of the friars themselves, who grew the medicinal plants necessary for their health in the garden. At the end of the 17th century, it was then opened to everyone and became so famous that even princes, cardinals and even the popes' physicians used it. This earned it the nickname the popes' pharmacy. It continued its service until 1978 and until the 1950s it distributed genuine medicines at moderate prices, keeping a free outpatient clinic open to the public.
The highly scientific work that took place in the workshops was based on substances taken from herbs, with careful study behind them. The first room of the old apothecary's shop dates back to 1700, with walnut furniture, while the ceiling and floor are from 1800.
The apothecary's shop houses very precious objects, such as Umbrian-Marches ceramics and a herbarium designed by St. Basil.
There is also a sort of outpatient clinic that was used for the simplest basic preparations, and finally a multifunctional back room, as a library, doctor's office, and storeroom.
Recognised as an historical workshop with D.D. No. 830 of 6 August 2003.