A pharmacy's archive

A pharmacy's archive

Peñaranda de Duero is home to a 300-year-old pharmacy that still operates today, carrying the tradition of eight generations of the same family of pharmacists. The Botica is on the main street of Calle de la Botica, known for its pharmaceutical heritage. The façade is marked by the inscription of 'BOTICA' and a serpent depositing its venom in a chalice, a traditional emblem of pharmacies. Inside, the shelves are lined with ceramic jars used throughout history, as well as an old pharmaceutical set. One of the most valuable pieces in the collection is 'Pedaci Dioscórides Anazarbeo', a book about materia medica from the 16th century.

The Botica of Peñaranda de Duero, located on the Calle de la Botica in the historical center of the town, is a pharmacy that dates back to 1725. It has been maintained and custodied for eight generations of the same family of pharmacists and continues to operate today, reflecting the traditional practices of the past. The façade of the Botica is marked by the inscription of 'BOTICA' and the pharmacy emblem represented by a serpent depositing its venom in a chalice.

The double door, with the upper portion acrystallized like a window, allows for traditional dispensing. Inside, the botica retains, under the inscription of the names of previous owners of this pharmacy, displayed in wooden shelving, an interesting collection of ceramic jars. The pharmacy also houses a historical rebotica with cajoneras dedicated to storing medicinal plants. The old laboratory contains a collection of mortars, an alambique, a pill box,Compatibles, kilns, tweezers, antique weights and measures, and an interesting and practical collection of books to learn about the state of medical and pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy of other times.

The oldest book is 'Pedaci Dioscórides Anazarbeo', which is about materia medica, translated from Greek to Spanish by Doctor Andrés Laguna, year 1565.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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