Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni
Step into a 13th-century apothecary in Parma, Italy. Explore beautifully restored rooms, ancient remedies, and the monastic history of medicine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 13th-century apothecary in Parma, Italy. Explore beautifully restored rooms, ancient remedies, and the monastic history of medicine.
"A hidden gem, this ancient pharmacy feels like stepping straight into a Renaissance apothecary."
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Location
Tickets are often purchased at the museum complex, not on-site. Check opening hours and ticket policies before your visit.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Friendly staff are knowledgeable and willing to share the history. Ask questions to enhance your understanding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Renaissance Pharmacy Atmosphere
Main exhibition rooms
Step back in time to a 13th-century apothecary with original wooden cabinets, frescoed ceilings, and antique tools.
Restored Historical Rooms
Across eight exhibition spaces
Explore meticulously restored rooms showcasing the evolution of medicinal preparations and the monastic life.
Multimedia Experience
Dedicated exhibition areas
Engage with informative videos and displays that bring the history and practices of the ancient pharmacy to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Location
Tickets are often purchased at the museum complex, not on-site. Check opening hours and ticket policies before your visit.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Friendly staff are knowledgeable and willing to share the history. Ask questions to enhance your understanding.
📸 Respect the Artifacts
While photography is generally allowed, avoid touching the delicate historical items.
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Explore all eight rooms to fully appreciate the restoration and history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Location
Tickets are often purchased at the museum complex, not on-site. Check opening hours and ticket policies before your visit.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Friendly staff are knowledgeable and willing to share the history. Ask questions to enhance your understanding.
📸 Respect the Artifacts
While photography is generally allowed, avoid touching the delicate historical items.
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Explore all eight rooms to fully appreciate the restoration and history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni as a beautifully restored historical gem, offering an immersive journey into a 13th-century pharmacy. Its intimate atmosphere, detailed exhibits, and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most find the experience fascinating and worthwhile, some have noted a desire for more multilingual information and clearer ticketing procedures.
"While in Parma, my wife and I visited the Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni and it quickly became one of our favorite discoveries. Tucked behind the Abbey of San Giovanni, it feels like stepping straight into a Renaissance pharmacy. The wooden cabinets, frescoed ceilings, and shelves of jars and tools are beautifully preserved.
The Spezieria dates back almost a thousand years and each room has its own story and charm. Recently restored, it now opens eight different rooms to the public, and everything looks incredible.
It is small, inexpensive, and easy to visit, but the atmosphere is unforgettable. If you are in Parma, this hidden gem is absolutely worth your time."
Scott G.
"A very fascinating venue, amazing history and beautiful done.
But why would it not be possible to buy tickets, why do I have to provide all my personal detail including birthplace just to an old building and for €5 would you not expect some sort of information booklet in different languages that tells you about what you see?
Instead you have a security guard following you to make sure you don't touch anything (which makes sense, the guy is very nice, but I have no idea what I have actually seen)."
ToFeMa
"Unmissable!!! A real gem, completely restored respecting and recreating the rooms as best as possible, beautiful frescoes, antique furniture and decorated ceramic and wooden spice containers, friendly staff willing to explain the history of this place.
Interesting videos."
gualtiero bertolino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Antica Spezieria is located near the Duomo and Baptistery of San Giovanni in Parma, making it easily accessible on foot from the city center. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk through the historic streets.
Parking in Parma's historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk from the Spezieria, such as the parking garage near Piazza Garibaldi.
Yes, Parma has a good bus network. Several bus lines stop near Piazza Garibaldi or Piazza Duomo, from where you can easily walk to the Antica Spezieria.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is often inexpensive, with some visitors noting it was free. However, it's advisable to confirm current pricing and if tickets need to be purchased at the main museum complex. +1
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or purchasing tickets at the museum complex is recommended to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official website or contact the museum complex for the most up-to-date information, particularly around holidays or special events. 
Some visitors have noted a lack of detailed information booklets in multiple languages. However, the venue often features interesting videos and knowledgeable staff who can provide insights.
It's recommended to purchase tickets at the museum complex rather than expecting on-site ticket sales, as this can sometimes be a requirement.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's a beautifully preserved ancient pharmacy dating back to the 13th century, located in Parma, Italy. It showcases the history of medicinal preparations by monks.
The Antica Spezieria has been restored to open eight different rooms to the public, each offering a unique glimpse into its past.
Yes, children can find the historical setting and the visual displays engaging. The unique atmosphere of an old pharmacy can spark their curiosity.
You'll find original wooden cabinets, shelves filled with jars, antique tools, and beautifully decorated ceramic and wooden spice containers.
Given its historical nature, accessibility might be limited in some older sections. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility features beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Antica Spezieria, allowing you to capture the stunning historical details.
While photos are allowed, it's important to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography in areas where it might damage delicate artifacts.
The main exhibition rooms with the antique cabinets, jars, and frescoed ceilings offer the most picturesque opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The multimedia displays and videos also provide an accessible way for younger visitors to learn about history. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to a different era and the historical context of medicine in a way that feels like a discovery. Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for ancient remedies or a peek into a wizard's (or monk's) laboratory. The relatively small size of the venue means it's manageable for families, and the historical significance can spark curiosity and questions. Remember to check ticket requirements in advance to ensure a smooth entry for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs
The extensive restoration, which reopened in October 2024, has meticulously preserved and presented eight distinct rooms, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of its evolution. The addition of a multimedia pathway further enriches the experience, providing context and detail that complements the physical artifacts. You'll find yourself surrounded by original wooden cabinets, antique tools, and a fascinating collection of jars and containers, all contributing to an authentic atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of the Spezieria
The recent restoration, completed and reopened in October 2024, has not only revitalized the historical spaces but also incorporated a multimedia pathway. This modern addition, featuring curated direction and photography, aims to enhance understanding of the Spezieria's significance.
It bridges the gap between the tangible history of the artifacts and the intangible knowledge of their use, making the visit engaging for a contemporary audience. Travelers often describe the Spezieria as a 'hidden gem' and 'unmissable,' highlighting its unique atmosphere and the feeling of stepping back in time. The combination of preserved architecture, historical artifacts, and informative displays creates a compelling narrative of medieval pharmacy and monastic life.
The Tradition of Acqua di San Giovanni
This aromatic water is traditionally used for cleansing and well-being. It's thought to have purifying properties, helping to wash away negativity and prepare individuals for a new cycle. Some believe it can also bring good luck and protection. The practice is rooted in folk wisdom and a deep connection to nature's cycles, emphasizing renewal and letting go of what no longer serves.
While the Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni in Parma is a historical site dedicated to ancient pharmacy, the tradition of Acqua di San Giovanni is a broader cultural practice observed in Italy. Visiting the Spezieria can offer a glimpse into the historical context from which such traditions might have evolved, showcasing the long-standing importance of natural remedies and rituals in Italian culture.
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