Farmacia Pitti

The Farmacia Pitti opened in 1810, but documents from the land registry testify to the existence of a "spezieria" (pharmacy) in Piazza San Felice as early as 1427. The owners were first Mr. Cenni di Nicolò and his wife, then, later, in 1498, the same pharmacy seems to belong to Bartolo di Giovanni.

From the 18th centrury, the history of this pharmacy overlaps the one of the Spezieria Granducale (grand-ducal pharmacy), which, in those years, moved from Palazzo Pitti to Piazza San Felice. Documents dating from the first half of the 19th century show that the owner of the pharmacy was Gaspero Puliti di Giovacchino, a well-known apothecary at the service of the Grand Duke up to 1806, who was chosen to manage the new pharmacy, after closing the one in Palazzo Pitti.

The furnishings in the back of the shop probably came from the grand-ducal pharmacy, as we can guess from the decorations (niches and vases) and from the symbolic elements alluding to medicinal properties (with the busts of Hippocrates and Galeno). The focal point is the bean-shaped counter with drawers and top in Carrara marble. The pharmacy’s shelves are full of glass and ceramic objects, some of which belonging to Dr. Targioni, who took over the management of the shop during the past century and opened other premises in Vallombrosa.

Today the Farmacia Pitti is managed by Dr. Pacenti, and it still presents an entrance door in pietra serena, decorated with the signs and symbols of the Arte dei Medici e degli Speziali (Physicians and Pharmacists Guild).