CLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC FOR RESTORATION REASONS
A workshop for health
A fascinating and evocative place that preserve the ancient wisdom of the monks for processing medicinal herbs.
The first mention of an apothecary’s shop within the abbey of San Giovanni Evangelista dates back to 1200, but its foundation could be also precedent. The actual setup goes back to the end of the 16th century and to the beginnings of the following.
The visit introduces to the secrets and rituals of the ancient monks in the first room, known for its fireplace as “del fuoco” (fire), the sales counters and 19th century scales with small weights for spices. A wooden door leads to the room of the “mortars“, which houses the large vaseshaped containers with their pestles, used for grinding herbs and minerals.
The last room, known as that of the “sirens”, due to the effigies carved into the pilasters of the shelves, in which are conserved ancient volumes of pharmacopoeia, medicine and botany; this fine collection of books takes us back to the ancient art of the apothecary.
In the small room adjacent to the hall of the “fire” you can still see part of the old laboratory, with pinkish marble sinks of the 16th century, a well, stills and retorts used to prepare the medicines. On the walls near the
marks left by the fumes from the pharmaceutical processes, you can see various writings dating back to the 19th century, as the one on the door leading to the cellar, where the medicinal herbs were stored.
ADDRESS
b.go Pipa 2 – Parma
Fully accessible to mobility-impaired visitors
CONTACTS
+39 0521 233309
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
OPENING TIMES
Closed from July 1st, 2019 until further notice.
Prices:
Full: 2,00 €
Free of charge for all people under 18 years upon presentation of valid identity card or passport, the first sundays of each month from October to March and on March 23th, December 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, August 14th and 15th;
for citizens of non-EU Countries, only upon mutual agreement.
