Town Hall Pharmacy

Town Hall Pharmacy

The Town Hall Pharmacy in Tallinn opened as early as 1422. This peculiar little shop, located right across from the Tallinn Town Hall, is actually the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe. It was run by ten generations of the Burchart family from 1581 to 1911, and one of the main reasons it gained fame back then was that even the Russian tsar ordered medications from this pharmacy.

In medieval times, the pharmacy sold remedies such as snake skin potion, mummy juice, and powdered unicorn horn. But it also served as a place to buy everyday items, including jam, tea, red wine, gunpowder, and most importantly, marzipan — which was the pharmacy’s best-selling product. According to local legend, marzipan was invented as a medicinal product here in the 15th century.

Today, this historic location still operates as a pharmacy, selling modern medicines. However, its side room now hosts an interesting exhibition of medical antiques from the 17th to 20th centuries.

Town Hall Pharmacy

Must-visit reason: The oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Estonia[Estonia]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Harju County [Harju County]

City where the attraction is located: Tallinn [Tallinn]