In the heart of Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood is the oldest pharmacy in the city, dating back to the 16th century. The Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala, originally called ‘spezieria,’ takes its name from the nearby church and convent of Santa Maria della Scala; on the second floor of the convent was a pharmacy / apothecary, initially opened for internal and exclusive use of the convent itself.

There, the religious order of the convent, the Discalced Carmelites, grew, prepared and sold spices and medicines. They did so until 1954, when that ancient pharmacy was closed. Thanks to its strategic location and proximity to St. Peter's, the pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala over time began to be patronized by cardinals, princes and even popes, so much so that it was nicknamed the ‘pharmacy of the popes.’