The iconic Lekáreň u Salvatora pharmacy is located on Panská Street, opposite St Martin's Cathedral. (source: TASR)
The iconic Lekáreň u Salvatora pharmacy in the historic centre of Bratislava needs no introduction. Its re-opening has been awaited since the city announced that it had acquired the original 300-year-old furniture.
After 28 years, the wait is over. On Saturday, October 28, the pharmacy had a grand opening with an accompanying programme and tour; after many years visitors were able to get to the counter once again.
The building is not yet finished. The city does not have the funds to repair the facade. Mayor Matúš Vallo says that he has applied for European funds. The last pieces of historical furniture also need to be delivered; cables are sticking out from the place where the historic chandelier will hang.
The pharmacy building will retain its residential function in the future. "We have restored the legendary spaces that have languished for many years. The unique baroque furniture has been returned, and soon the genuine scent of a pharmacy will return, because the Slovak Chamber of Pharmacists (SLeK) is going to open one here," announced Vallo.
Lekáreň u Salvatora will open by the end of the year. SLeK President Ondrej Sukeľ is hoping that the pharmacy can greet its first patients as early as December. According to him, although complicated, the processes to get the pharmacy up and running started at the turn of the month and will take some time to get all the necessary permits. It will be open all week.
Guided tours provided by trained pharmacists will also be part of the pharmacy's regular operation, if there is interest.
A modern pharmacy behind historical veil
When you enter, the gilded Latin quote above the pharmacy furniture behind the counter catches the eye. It reads "Quidquid agis, prudenter agas et respice finem, 1658", which means "Whatever you do, do it prudently and look to the end".
The plans for the pharmacy's future operation were approached in this spirit. The pharmacists will be focused more on individually prepared medicines and providing medical advice - from how various drugs interact to measuring health parameters.
