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A pharmacy with 800-year-old recipes is the oldest operating pharmacy in the world.
Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is believed to be the oldest pharmacy still operational in the world, let alone Italy. It was established in 1221, by Dominican monks from the neighboring Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, who grew herbs to create salves for their infirmary. The premium quality of their products soon became legendary, and by the 17th century, the pharmacy opened its doors to everyone. To this day, they use traditional preparation methods while offering items based on the ancient recipes of the monks; most famous being Aceto dei Sette Ladri (Seven Thieves Vinegar). This aromatic solution obtained its peculiar name from a gang of bandits who rubbed it all over themselves during the plague – as it was thought odors were responsible for causing diseases.
