The store is located within the walls of a 16th century building, in the ancient Rione of Borgo Pio, next to the Vatican. In the old days its rooms were used as stables for horses and carriages belonging to the Vatican State. Later on, at the beginning of the 19th century, it turned into a trading activity selling drugs, tobacco and salt.
In the second half of the century this kind of trading was regulated by the newly funded Italian State, and classified as "Privates" of the State, and, later, as State Monopoly. In this occasion the Ministry of Finance licensed a hundred shops for the sale of tobacco, and ours has been in the trade, and in the same location, ever since.
Although its furniture has changed throughout the years, the premises still maintain the old-fashioned atmosphere. Also on display are several antique objects, goods and machinery, which came to light from the old shop's storeroom.