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Vatican Pharmacy

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Vatican Pharmacy (Farmacia Vaticana) is the only pharmacy in Vatican City and is considered the busiest pharmacy in the world. It was founded in 1874 by Eusebio Ludvig Munnier, a member of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (Fatebenefratelli), at the request of Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli. The pharmacy is located near the Sant'Anna entrance and covers an area of approximately 500 square meters. It features a wide range of medications from around the world, many of which are not available in Italy, making it an important resource for patients from Rome. Approximately 200,000 prescriptions are processed annually. In addition to pharmaceutical products, the pharmacy also stocks a selection of perfumes and cosmetics, some produced according to traditional recipes. Access requires a valid prescription and identity verification at the Vatican gate.

Location: Vatican City, Vatican
Top sights: Necropoli della Via Triumphalis · Punto panoramico di viale della Galea · Museo Chiaramonti

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Vatican Pharmacy is open to the public and can be visited inside. It is located within Vatican City and is known for its extensive range of medications.

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Typical hours

The pharmacy is usually open on weekdays from 8:30 to 18:00. On Saturdays it is typically only open until 13:00, and closed on Sundays.

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Photography

Photography is typically not permitted inside the sales area. It is polite to ask for permission before taking pictures.

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Time needed

A short visit takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If you need to fill a prescription, allow extra time depending on the wait.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. The pharmacy is near the Vatican Post Office, also worth a stop.

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Getting there

The pharmacy is inside Vatican City, accessible through the entrance on Via di Porta Angelica. From Ottaviano metro station it is about a ten-minute walk.

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Insider tip

Bring a valid prescription if you wish to purchase certain medications. The pharmacy is famous for hard-to-find drugs, so it is worth asking.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90600, 12.45600

Facts

The pharmacy was officially opened in the year 1874.
It is managed by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.
Approximately 2,000 customers visit the pharmacy every day.
The inventory includes around 42,000 different products.
The pharmacy is tax-free, which often makes medications cheaper.
It is located within the Palazzo Belvedere in the Vatican.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Braccio del Candelabro<1 km · WExplore →

Palazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →

Medaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →

Flaminio3 km · NEExplore →

Porta Pia3 km · EExplore →

Colosseum3 km · SEExplore →

Farnesina3 km · NExplore →

Val Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Vatican Pharmacy (10)

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Ancient necropolis in Vatican City, located along the Via Triumphalis.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint on Viale della Galea, overlooking Vatican City.

Museo Chiaramonti 🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, founded by Pope Pius VII.

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Museo Gregoriano Etrusco 🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, housing Etruscan art and artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00💶

Museo Gregoriano Egizio🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, displaying Egyptian antiquities.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Peregrine.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double helix staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, also known as the Gregorian Tower.

Chiesa di Sant'Egidio a Borgo

Oratory in Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Giles.

Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms

Parish church of Vatican City, serving the papal employees.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone visit the Vatican Pharmacy?

Yes, with a valid prescription for medicines not available in Italy.

Where is it located?

It is located inside the walls, accessible through the St. Anne's Gate (Porta Sant'Anna).

What do I need to show at the entrance?

An ID and the medical prescription are required to obtain an entry pass.

Are the prices cheaper?

Often yes, as there is no VAT on medicines in Vatican City.

When was it founded?

It was founded in 1874 by Eusebio Ludvig Fronmen, a Brother Hospitaller.

Vatican Pharmacy: where is it located?

Vatican Pharmacy is located in Vatican City, Vatican.

Vatican Pharmacy: what is there to see?

Highlights include Necropoli della Via Triumphalis, Punto panoramico di viale della Galea, Museo Chiaramonti.

Vatican Pharmacy: when is the best time to visit?