Ancient Pharmacy Celebrates Anniversary (6)

Published: 05.04.2012 16:14

Photo: Postimees/Scanpix

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One of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies is on Saturday celebrating 590 years since it was first mentioned in written records.

The Raeapteek, or Aldermen's Pharmacy, situated in the center of Old Town, was first noted in 1422, but at least two owners ran the pharmacy prior to that, so no one knows how old it actually is. Raeapteek is also the oldest continuously operating business in Estonia.

The museum-pharmacy was once an important center for town dwellers. In addition to drugs, it sold alcohol, ink, jewelry, gunpowder, and other goods. To this day, the store has marzipan and spiced wine recipes dating back to the 15th century.

The pharmacy was also once a popular gathering place, where citizens could hear the latest news.

“The owners of Raeapteek have always belonged to the most honored class of Tallinn's citizenry. In addition to their role as pharmacists, they actively participated in governing the city, as well as in cultural and social circles,” a press release from the pharmacy said.

 

Ott Tammik

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Comments (6)

  • Mart Mang

    06.04.2012 14:37

    Was that place once named Balthasars or something like that?

  • Israeli tourust

    06.04.2012 18:23

    Mart Mang, Not exactly. Balthasar is a garlic restaurant operating on the second floor of the same building.

  • john

    07.04.2012 09:11

    I don't get it - what's significant about 590?

  • Juhan021

    09.04.2012 00:29

    @ john, welcome to the small country. I suppose this is significant in a sense that the Republic is relatively young, but people and institutions round here have got steep history. This little pharmacy was well established business nearly a century before the Americas were discovered. It's seen religions come and go, it's seen empires come and go. Yet, it's doors remain open to its customers to this day. For many in this country it symbolises continuity, something more than state or chruch could ever represent to them - a sense of community, reaching back over the ages. And that's why even the smaller jubilees are worth mentioning.

  • Mart Mang

    09.04.2012 12:41

    @Juhan021: Well put...

  • avatar

    knut_albers

    09.04.2012 13:51

    The Klarett (Claret) wine is not bad from there. If the price is nothing for you, they published the original receipt online on their website, so you can mix it by yourself. I always do before turn to this website.