Town Hall Pharmacy

When the Town Hall Pharmacy was first mentioned in writing in 1422, it already had its third owner — so its true beginnings reach even deeper into the Hanseatic era, when merchants, town councillors and townspeople found relief for their ailments right here.

The pharmacy’s illustrious history is inseparably tied to the Burchart family, who kept the pharmacist’s trade here for a full ten generations. By family tradition the firstborn son was always named Johann — and it is not hard to guess what profession awaited him. Naturally he would one day become the town pharmacist, even if he would rather have become a sailor or a musician.

Even if your health gives you no trouble, the pharmacy is worth stepping into for its sheer antiquity and enchanting atmosphere. In the second hall there is a small museum displaying ancient remedies and their unbelievable ingredients. One can only hope that nowadays they have been replaced with something else. You will also learn why a crocodile hangs from the ceiling there, and why a sign is on display saying – no cotton wool.

Of course, we know the Town Hall Pharmacy as the place where marzipan was made and sold — in the Middle Ages it was considered an effective remedy for headaches, heartaches and the pains of love, and it was also recommended for calming the nerves. The pharmacy’s bestseller was and still is claret, a spiced red wine made to a secret recipe and considered a restorer of vitality.

If you wish, for an extra fee:

• claret and/or marzipan tasting;
• grinding medicinal herbs and spices, and making Rae herb salt, spiced sugar, tea blends or bath salt.

Town Hall Pharmacy opening hours:

Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00