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Speziera della Pigna
The origins of this modern pharmacy date to the 14th century when the Calvi family first moved here and opened a store selling natural herbs and spices to treat ailments in those days. Over the years it passed to two other families: Marescotti and Brazetti. This marble plaque recalls that period.
On the other side are two small icons of the Madonna and Child by the artist Teresa Casadio. They are in fact replacing an ancient fresco that faded over time. Below it is this marble tablet celebrating a Cross put here in the year 396 by Sambrogio but in 1798 a Milanese Bishop transferred it to the church of San Petronio to save it from the invading French army.
Inside is original 17th century furniture and fittings including this beautifully restored ceiling.
Along the wooden frames of the cupboards are these odd looking type of badges displaying names of chemists working in the pharmacy. In the past a patient would have left a message here to be collected later by their chemist who would have mixed the necessary ingredients that their doctor ordered for them.
There are a total of 71 vases on the shelves dating between 1766 – 1767. They were made by a company called Rolandi and Fink who were based in the hills of Ameno in the area of Sasso Marconi.
This Romano clock dates to around 1750.
The vases are painted with flowers in a blue cobalt colour in an attempt to imitate porcelain according to the style in those days. Unfortunately the writing is too faded to see properly but each one would have contained specific herbs or spices.
Among the Bolognese this pharmacy was particularly famous for a few recipes such as Zambotta’s morning after pill, a laxative based on rhubarb, cascara – another laxative, and liquorice dust.
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