What is left of the ancient “Spezieria Alla Testa d'oro” (the golden head spicery), the pharmacy that once produced the best Theriaca in town, is just a rusty sign.
Easily noticeable, the gold-plated head is a bronze sculpture placed where it is to help the illiterate recognize the store in which the elixir for all illnesses was sold.
The name Theriaca d’Andromaco has disappeared by now, as has the miraculous concoction. All that’s left is the head of the man, maybe the owner, wearing a laurel wreath in remembrance perhaps of one of the ancient treacle’s over 60 ingredients.
Read more
