History of Pharmacy Museum and Rabainisia Library
A rare collection of pharmaceutical instruments, apothecary vessels, and scientific volumes documenting centuries of medicine and healing practice in Calabria.
At a glance
This museum preserves an exceptional assemblage of pharmacy equipment and medicinal vessels spanning from the 17th century to the modern era. The collection includes bronze mortars, distillation apparatus, glass jars labeled with herbal extracts, and copper vessels associated with Bergamot essence production. The adjoining Rabainisia Library holds approximately 1,500 volumes on pharmacology, veterinary science, and related disciplines.
History
The Rabainisia Library was founded on the personal collections of Dr. Giuseppina Gegnacorsi, a pharmacist, and Dr. Domenico Bova, a veterinarian—pioneering professionals from earlier generations. The core of 1,500 volumes reflects their scholarly interests in pharmacology and veterinary medicine. Later acquisitions from the libraries of Dr. Aldo Penna, a surgeon specializing in sports medicine, and Dr. Vera, a pharmacist, expanded the collection into broader scientific territory.
Over time, the library has grown to encompass works on chemistry, biology, physiology, biochemistry, hygiene, pathology, and pharmacological botany—a living record of evolving scientific thought.
What you see
The museum displays a carefully organized array of pharmaceutical tools and vessels. A bronze mortar dated 1630 stands among the oldest artifacts. Two bronze mortars with matching pestles reflect traditional apothecary practice; the smaller mortar bears the caduceus icon on its body. Glass stills, cast iron presses for citrus fruits, and equipment for extracting Bergamot essences—dating to the 1800s—document the region’s botanical heritage.
Burnished glass pharmacy jars with octagonal bases line the shelves, each inscribed with labels identifying their contents: hellebore extract, gentian extract, rhubarb extract, and others. Cylindrical bottles with caps hold preserved organic substances. Copper containers for precious Bergamot essences complete this portrait of historical pharmaceutical practice.
Cultural significance
The collection illuminates the practical and intellectual dimensions of pharmacy in Southern Italy. The vessels and instruments reveal daily pharmaceutical work across centuries, while the Bergamot-related equipment connects the museum to Calabria’s distinctive agricultural and commercial heritage. Together, the artifacts and library demonstrate how medical knowledge evolved through hands-on practice and documented study.
Key facts
- Address: Via Ravagnese Inferiore, 2, 89131 Reggio Calabria
- Coordinates: 38.08152413982784, 15.649943947792051
- Phone: 347 674 6269
- Official website: beniculturali.it (Ministry of Culture)
Practical information
The Rabainisia Library is open to the public on the first Tuesday of each month. During summer months, visits are available by appointment. Contact the museum directly to arrange access and confirm current hours.
Getting there
The museum is located on Via Ravagnese Inferiore in central Reggio Calabria. Call ahead to arrange your visit and confirm opening times, particularly if traveling from outside the region.
Sources & resources
- Official website: beniculturali.it
- Cultural Heritage Online
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