Hofapotheke Coburg, Historic pharmacy and architectural monument in Coburg, Germany
Hofapotheke Coburg is a three-story building with a steep saddle roof and rectangular bay window located at the eastern side of the marketplace extending to Steingasse street. The structure comprises two parallel buildings connected by an intermediate section, with statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint Christopher positioned at its corner.
The building has functioned as a pharmacy since 1543, initially named Apotheke zum goldenen Strauß with Cyriakus Schnauß serving as the first documented pharmacist at this location. The structure retains Gothic architectural features including original cross-ribbed vaults on the ground floor that date from the late medieval period.
The exterior displays Gothic ornamental details and medieval sculptures that reflect the craftsmanship of earlier centuries. Visitors can observe these artistic elements up close and understand how pharmacies were once designed as important community focal points.
The building sits in a central location at the marketplace edge and is easy to explore on foot. Its position makes it a natural stop when walking through the historic city center, where the architecture is clearly visible from the street.
Since 1864 a traditional herbal liqueur is produced here following a secret recipe known only to the current court pharmacist of each generation. This ongoing practice connects the long history of this place with a living craft tradition that continues today.
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