Between science, solidarity, and art: The Ancient Pharmacy of San Filippo Neri
On Monday, March 30, 2026, a group of Italian teachers had the pleasure of participating in the visit to the Ancient Pharmacy of San Filippo Neri and the Oratory of San Tiburzio. It was truly a fascinating experience, rich in history, art, and inspiration.
The Ancient Pharmacy, with its original furnishings, scientific instruments, and testimonies of the charitable activities carried out by the Congregation of Charity, allowed us to take a journey through the history of medicine and pharmacy. Equally surprising was the Oratory of San Tiburzio, a splendid Baroque treasure recently returned to the city, enhanced by the extraordinary installation "Florilegium" by British artist Rebecca Louise Law: a sky of over two hundred thousand flowers that harmoniously interacts with the frescoes and creates an atmosphere of rare beauty.
We wish to express particular appreciation to our guide, Ms. Michelle Costa, who, with great competence, passion, and sensitivity, skillfully accompanied us throughout the entire journey. Her explanations, always clear and engaging, connected historical, artistic, and human aspects, making the visit extremely interesting and enjoyable. Her availability and ability to convey enthusiasm significantly contributed to the success of the experience.
A visit that we highly recommend to anyone wishing to discover an unprecedented and surprising side of Parma.
Claudio Tambini
Lycée Liestal, Switzerland
事業者からの返答
Gentile Claudio,
grazie per queste parole. È stato un vero piacere accompagnare il vostro gruppo in questo viaggio tra storia della medicina, farmaceutica e arte all’interno dell’Antica Farmacia San Filippo Neri e dell’Oratorio di San Tiburzio. Siamo felici che la visita abbia offerto spunti di riflessione su aspetti storici, scientifici, artistici e umani. Il nostro obiettivo è sempre stato quello di rendere accessibili questi luoghi e trasmettere la loro preziosa storia, collegando gli eventi storici alle persone che li hanno attraversati, e sono lieta che questo approccio abbia reso l’esperienza coinvolgente per tutti voi. Il suo feedback ci incoraggia a continuare a cercare di far scoprire gli aspetti meno conosciuti di Parma, valorizzando la ricchezza del nostro patrimonio culturale. Grazie ancora per aver scelto Artemilia.
Cordiali saluti,
Michelle Valeria Costa
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Stefanie B
September 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A fascinating, one-of-a-kind Parma tour with Michelle — history, perfume, and hidden gems!”
Our private tour of Parma with Michelle was absolutely outstanding! She is extremely knowledgeable about both the history of Parma and its fascinating perfume heritage, and she made the city’s story come alive in such an engaging way.
A real highlight was visiting the San Filippo Neri Antique Pharmacy, which is not normally open to the public. Seeing the beautifully preserved apothecary with Michelle’s explanations gave us such a unique perspective on how perfumes and remedies were once crafted.
Another unforgettable stop was at the charming Violetta di Parma 1930 store, where the owner himself welcomed us. He not only shared the rich history of the famous perfume but also showed us his incredible collection of vintage perfume bottles. His passion and hospitality made the visit truly special — his shop is a must-stop for any visitor to Parma.
Michelle tied all these experiences together seamlessly, weaving Parma’s history, perfume tradition, and cultural charm into a memorable and deeply enjoyable half-day. We highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to discover Parma in a unique and personal way!
事業者からの返答
Dear Stefanie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review and for your kind words. It was a real pleasure guiding you, and we're happy you enjoyed this off-the-beaten-path experience. Parma is a city rich in history and places, unknown to most, that allow us to travel back in time. San Filippo Neri Antique Pharmacy is truly a magical place, which tells us of 500 years of care and attention to the poorest and sickest people of the city and which allow us to journey through the history of cosmetics, perfume, chemistry and pharmaceuticals. We hope your kind words will inspire more visitors to discover the city's hidden gems. Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
Michelle Costa
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danielabI6685ZH
May 17, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Guide well prepared and unforgettable visit
Our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable and knowledgeable, passionate and in love with the history of the city. He made us discover very interesting details and visit unknown places even to residents. The visit lasted even longer than expected because of his passion for illustrating monuments and explaining all the details. All participants enjoyed both the tour and the guide very much.
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Lucia G
October 23, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Best hotels in Parma
Visiting the city with a trained and kind guide like Mrs. Michelle was really a wonderful experience. We will definitely come back and take advantage of your expertise again. Thank you for the beautiful day
事業者からの返答
Buongiorno Lucia, grazie di cuore per le gentili parole! Siamo liete di sentire che la visita a Parma vi è piaciuta e che conserverete un bel ricordo del tempo passato in città. Vi ringraziamo per la fiducia che ci avete accordato scegliendoci e speriamo di potervi incontrare presto in Emilia per una nuova esperienza!
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751vivianao
September 27, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent preparation
I organized a trip to Parma with 10 friends, from Verona. Michelle, our guide, was delightful. A professional really prepared on any aspect that related to the city, its history, its tradition, its unique flavors. I recommend contacting this agency 100%.
事業者からの返答
Grazie Viviana! Siamo lieti che abbiate apprezzato la storia, le tradizioni e i sapori unici di Parma. Per noi è fondamentale poter mostrare non solo la storia ma anche i tesori enogastronomici che il nostro territorio racchiude e conserva da generazioni. Speriamo di potervi ospitare nuovamente nel nostro territorio in futuro. Di nuovo grazie, Michelle
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LUME_16
June 29, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect experience
We enjoyed in total three tours with Artemilia (1) Antica Farmacia San Filippo Neri e Oratorio di San Tiburzio, (2) Scopri l’Oltretorrente and (3) Parma, la Città del Profumo and all of them were a really great experience and we can recommend them wholeheartedly to others. Our guide Michelle was a great expert on her field and she talked about all the three topics with great knowledge and passion.
If you are looking forward to dive into Parma, embrace it and get to know the city like a local, this is the tour that suits for you. Grazie mille Michelle, a presto … a Parma!
事業者からの返答
Thanks Lucia, your words have filled our hearts with joy. Some of the tours you mentioned were conceived during the difficult period of the lock down, during which even if we could not meet people we tried not to get discouraged studying and devising new itineraries and experiences. We are pleased that you were fascinated by the history of the Antica Farmacia San Filippo Neri, the Oratorio di San Tiburzio, the Oltretorrente and the Perfume chain in Parma, some of the hidden treasures of the town. There is still so much more to discover! We hope to meet you soon here in Parma… Best wishes,
Michelle
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silviazE5843NC
June 23, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Professionalism and sympathy
4 friends. We met the guide Michelle: in addition to the amazing preparation, sympathy and his passion infected us. Thank you, Michelle.
Good job.... at last. Silvia
事業者からの返答
Grazie Silvia! Anche per aver compreso quale immensa gioia ci dia poter nuovamente accogliere, dopo tanto tempo, viaggiatori curiosi e appassionati come voi nella nostra terra! Un caro saluto e a presto, Michelle
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Gretamauri01
June 2, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
The treasures of Parma
Thank you Michel! You made us spend an unforgettable afternoon making us know with so much competence and passion the great artistic beauties of this jewel that is Parma!
事業者からの返答
Cara Greta, grazie per averci scelto per scoprire Parma e i tesori del Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta! Grazie anche per avere portato con te Carlo e Maria Teresa, per la vostra gentilezza ed entusiasmo, anche per me resterà un pomeriggio da ricordare! Vi aspetto per una full immersion enogastronomica e per scoprire alcune delle perle nascoste di Parma. A presto!
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agenzia viaggi m
May 2, 2021 · via Tripadvisor
Parma cultural
A beautiful day to discover the Italian Capital of Culture. The difference was to visit it with you! The group of Romagna travel agency Myricae thanks for making us passionate about this amazing city with your professionalism and friendliness. As an organizer I must say that your help, even in the preparation of the itinerary was fundamental to the success of this Sunday in the name of culture. We will be back soon! Thank you.
事業者からの返答
È stato un vero piacere collaborare con voi e guidarvi alla scoperta di Parma! Vi aspettiamo presto in Emilia!
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