Town Hall Pharmacy

Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy) is known to be the oldest pharmacy in Europe still operating in the same premises. The pharmacy was first mentioned in the Town Hall notebook in 1422. During the years 1582-1911 the pharmacy belonged to ten generations of the Burchart family. It was so famous in its day that the Russian tsar used to order medicines from here. Raeapteek is also considered to be the oldest still operating company in Tallinn and oldest health care institution in Estonia.

 

In medieval Tallinn, Raeapteek was also the meeting place of the town lords and other important people. Here people drank claret and made agreements. Today pharmacy still sells famous claret and marzipan, once considered to be the cure for heartache, but also has all the modern medications.

 

Small museum room offers an interesting display of 17th-20th century medicinal bric-a-brac. Raeapteek also offers guided tours and workshops. Information and prices for group visits can be found on the website. Free information booklet about the pharmacy with Tallinn Card!