The Botica pharmacy of Peñaranda de Duero

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 the beginning of the 18th century. 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 pildorero, hornillos, crisoles, espátulas, 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 «Pedacio Dioscórides Anazarbeo», which is about materia medicinal, translated by Doctor Andrés Laguna, year 1565.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons