The "Antica Erboristeria Romana" was probably established in 1752 and is the oldest herbalist's shop in Rome, and one of the oldest in Europe. The shop was certainly well-known in the 19th century, as it is mentioned in a famous sonnet by the Roman poet Gioacchino Belli.
Formerly labelled semplicista - a name given at the time to herbalists, who were authorized to sell only simple treatments, as opposed to chemists, who could sell composite treatments - the shop gained its present name in 1948, when the activity was taken over by Dr. Teofilo Ospici.
The original furniture - its Italian walnut shelvings with tiny drawers where dried herbs are still stored - as well as the lacunar ceiling create a timeless atmosphere that welcomes the customer entering the shop, recently enlarged by Arch. Braschi with a view to harmonise past and present, looking forward to continuity with the new millennium.