The art of the ancestors has been passed down from generation to generation, surviving to this day. Even five generations after its founder Giovanni, the Foletto family proudly keeps the tradition of apothecaries alive, sharing it with the public in their museum. Here, visitors have the opportunity to uncover the secrets of this ancient profession, admire the exceptional herbarium dating back to the late 19th century, observe traditional machinery, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the structure, which has preserved its 19th-century origins. All of this is enriched by engaging hands-on workshops.

We are in Pieve di Ledro, home to the historic pharmacy of the Foletto family—a reality that has remained unchanged over the years. Crossing the threshold, visitors are immediately enveloped in an intertwining of aromas—dried herbs, resins, and spices—transporting them to a world waiting to be discovered: the world of apothecaries. Here, their craft remains alive as pharmacists create compounds and remedies using plants like St. John’s wort, gentian, or mallow. The equipment and tools also tell the story of a deeply rooted history: alembics, mortars, porcelain jars, and distillers.

The experience becomes even more vivid when scents meet flavors: visitors can taste the products that the pharmacists, honoring tradition, still prepare today. Delighting the palate are syrups made with balsamic herbs, sweet liqueurs, strong and enveloping bitters, and the famous Picco Rosso, a bright red, highly aromatic liqueur made from mountain strawberries and raspberries.

But that’s not all… Here, history comes to life: as if by magic, visitors become apprentice apothecaries, immersing their hands in intensely fragrant essential oils. Precious ingredients are carefully mixed to create handmade creams, scented soaps, and small masterpieces that encapsulate the essence of an ancient tradition. The museum, envisioned by Achille Foletto, is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in an authentic “taste” of past traditions, rediscovering the ancient art of apothecaries and the deep connection between history, flavors, and scents that this unique place preserves.