The Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria Della Scala
The oldest pharmacy in Rome, “Ancient Pharmacy Santa Maria Della Scala,” located in the heart of Trastevere, near the church “Santa Maria Della Scala,” is a must-see hidden gem in Rome. Entering the pharmacy provides insight into the medical system of the 16th century.
One of my passion is to discover the remnants of old societies. That’s why I came to Rome, to explore a journey through time travel and rich Italian history. I’ve been trying to list not only the popular spots but also the hidden gems in Rome. In my list, the “Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria Della Scala” is placed at the top, I’ve to say.
If you are planning to visit Rome for a few days, you can add “The Ancient Pharmacy Santa Maria Della Scala” to your list. It won’t take too much time of your tour, but it will add a lot of value to your tour life.
What will you find inside in the pharmacy of Santa Maria Della Scala?
The ancient pharmacy is located on the first floor of the convent. The entrance hall has a mysterious entrance door that opens to the visitor. To the side of the door, there is a painting of Fra Basilio Della Concezione giving lessons to the young people, painted by Pier Leone Ghezzi. Shelves with some medicine stand on another side.
Then the entrance room will open to the sales room with the smell of herbs. An ancient cupboard with full ampoules and jars with medicines, a counter with a scale, a large marble vase, in the background Fra Basilio’s herbarium.
On the left side of the sales room, there is a Galenic library containing chemistry laboratory instruments such as pipettes, scales, pestles, ampoules, and more. The pharmacist’s office is also located on the left side, featuring a bookcase filled with botany and pharmacy books. You’ll also find a prescription mold, a scale, and an ancient magnifying glass.
An ancient terracotta corridor connects the laboratory to the entrance hall. Inside, there is a ‘pill bottle’ machine that was once used to create pills and tablets from various powders.
The story of the ancient pharmacy
The oldest pharmacy not just in Rome but also in Europe, founded in the 16th century for the small group of people called ‘Friars,’ but it was opened for the public at the end of the following century. They closed the pharmacy in 1954, until then ‘Discalced Carmelites’ grew, prepared, and sold their medicine through the pharmacy.
The purpose of creating the pharmacy is pharmaceutical research as well as the production of herbs. Another reason is to help poor people. But at first, it was so important for cardinals, princes, and even Popes that it was familiar with the name of ‘Pope pharmacy.’
How to visit The Oldest Pharmacy in Rome?
It is located on the first floor of the Discalced Carmelite monastery near the Santa Maria Della Scala church. If you want to visit this place, you have to book first. You can contact them by Email: anticafarmaciadellascala@gmail.com