An exceptional yet little-known historical treasure, the apothecary’s office at Saint-Jean Hospital in Lodève is the second of its kind in the Hérault department to have been preserved “in situ,” alongside that of the “Œuvre de la Miséricorde” in Montpellier.
Founded in 1284, the Saint-Jean Hospital in Lodève is the result of the merger of various charitable institutions created at the initiative of bishops and benefactors. Then, under Bishop de Fumel (1750–1790), it underwent a profound transformation, and in the 1990s, recognizing the site’s exceptional heritage value, a museum space was created around the apothecary dating from 1837.
Today, during a 1-hour-and-15-minute tour led by a docent certified by the Ministry of Culture, you can explore the apothecary’s exceptional collection, which spans three distinct areas: the laboratory or kitchen, the back room, and the dispensary, which remains the main room.
This room resembles a natural history cabinet where substances from the three kingdoms—animal, plant, and mineral—are preserved.
The wood paneling that covers the walls from floor to ceiling displays about a hundred pharmacy jars, made of porcelain or colored glass, which, along with the furniture and paintings, bear witness to the hospital’s wealth.
Elderberry Robe, Electuary, Snail Ointment… a journey back to ancient times…
Tours every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Reservations required through the tourist office: 04 67 88 86 44. Tours are limited to 25 people.
Saint-Jean Hospital Apothecary
13, boulevard Pasteur,
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34700 Lodève Tél. : 04 67 88 86 44 |
