The very best factor about Rome is that there isn’t any approach you’ve gotten seen all of it. After 15 years, I’m nonetheless uncovering secret corners of town. All it takes is a little bit of curiosity (and someday perseverance to really communicate to the best human) and you’ll achieve entry to unbelievable sudden treasures. One instance is Rome’s Antica Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala – the oldest pharmacy within the Everlasting Metropolis.
Discovered a brief stroll away from the busy squares in Trastevere, this “pharmacy of the popes”—dates again to the early seventeenth century. It was initially based by monks as a spot to arrange natural medicines for his or her monastery and the encompassing neighborhood. Over time, its repute grew, and even the Vatican started sourcing treatments from this exceptional apothecary.
For those who cross by the road stage, you will see a modern-day pharmacy. You should purchase face lotions and chilly medication and by no means actually comment on the inside décor. Nonetheless, a take a look at the historic pharmacy requires reserving a non-public go to to the primary flooring.
Strolling up the steps and into the Antica Spezieria is like stepping again in time. The inside has been meticulously preserved, and is lined with picket cupboards, vintage glass jars, and vintage scales as soon as used to measure out centuries-old concoctions. The unique laboratory and alchemy room nonetheless include tools for grinding herbs, distilling important oils, and making ready medicinal tinctures.
The previous Santa Maria della Scala pharmacy additionally has a well-known assortment of 18th-century medical texts and treatments to deal with frequent illnesses. The monks who based this therapeutic area relied on pure substances resembling lavender, and rosemary, and their formulation had been so efficient that popes and noble households of Rome entrusted them with their well being.
As of late, the monks keep it up a part of the custom – nonetheless utilizing herbs. Nonetheless, now you should purchase distilled spirits slightly than medicines.
How one can Go to
Not like main vacationer sights in Rome, this pharmacy stays comparatively unknown to most guests. The constructing the place the pharmacy is situated is hooked up to the church of Santa Maria della Scala and remains to be part of the monastery. That signifies that visits are by appointment solely and sometimes embrace a guided tour that takes you thru the historic rooms.
To rearrange a go to, you possibly can contact the monastery upfront at +39 06 580 6233. The doorway is discreet, so hold an eye fixed out for the Santa Maria della Scala church, and also you’ll discover the pharmacy door adjoining to the church.
And in the event you like discovering secret spots like this, you’ll find extra ideas beneath Things to Do in Rome.
Antica Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala
Piazza della Scala, 23
Trastevere, Rome
