Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The pharmacy of the Cerf, located in Strasbourg, has its origins since 1268 with the first mention of an apothecary installed place of the Cathedral. After a fire in 1268, the ship was rebuilt between 1298 and 1300, then occupied by the Philippi family until 1398. These influential apothecaries, members of the Grand Senate or Stettmeister, mark the history of the place. A new fire in 1466 partially destroyed the house, resulting in a reconstruction between 1467 and 1469, followed by a unification of the buildings around 1497 to create a decorated commercial space.

In the 16th century, the house took its final form after several works. In 1567, columns strengthened the corbellation, and in 1577, the building on Merciere Street was rebuilt. In 1598, Albrecht Wessner unified the three buildings, consolidating the apothecary activity under the sign Zu Guldinen Hirsch ("In Golden Deer"). The Spielmann family, an apothecary dynasty, acquired the place in the 17th century and installed a botanical classroom in the 18th century, frequented by Goethe.

Ranked a historic monument in 1936 and registered in 2000, the building retains remarkable elements: pan-wood facades, studded decorations, painted ceilings and a vaulted shop. Despite threats of destruction in the 19th century for insanity, he survived thanks to the opposition of the widow Spielmann. Today it bears witness to the architectural and commercial evolution of Strasbourg, mixing housing, crafts and teaching since the Middle Ages.

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