The Greek Pharmaceutical Museum in Kalamaria is a unique place dedicated to the history of pharmacy. Located in the building of the city’s Pharmaceutical Association, it is the only museum of its kind in the country. Entry to the museum is free, but it is recommended to arrange a guided tour by phone in advance. A self-guided tour will take about an hour.
The museum’s collection covers various aspects of pharmacy in Greece. It includes:
Information boards describe the role of wines, oils, ointments, soaps, and medicinal herbs in past medical practices. Descriptions of plants such as white willow, valerian, and psyllium are also featured, along with methods of processing these plants. Additionally, visitors can learn about ancient pharmacologists, such as Dioscorides. However, it should be noted that most of the exhibits and information are in Greek, with limited English materials available.
One of the boards tells the history of pharmacy in Thessaloniki, covering the period from 1668, when the first hospital was established in the city, to the early 20th century. The information includes notable pharmacies and pharmacists in the city, as well as monasteries on Mount Athos that maintained their own pharmacy supplies.
The Greek Pharmaceutical Museum will be especially interesting to those interested in the history of science, medicine, and pharmacy. It is somewhat unknown to tourists, partly because the information on the boards and from the guides is mostly in Greek. However, for those who speak the language, the museum offers valuable insights into the development of pharmacy in Greece and the role of pharmacists in society. While the exhibit is small, it is rich in content, and the free admission makes this museum worth visiting, especially if you plan to take a leisurely tour of Thessaloniki's outskirts.
The museum is located outside the city center, which makes it less crowded with tourists and more convenient in terms of parking. Unlike the museums in Thessaloniki, there are usually available parking spaces on nearby streets.
The Greek Pharmaceutical Museum is located on Eth. Antistaseos Street, one of Kalamaria’s main roads. This suburb of Thessaloniki is known for its laid-back lifestyle, green spaces, and proximity to the sea. Although Kalamaria is not as popular among tourists, it offers plenty of things to do: cozy parks, a theater, shopping centers, yacht clubs, swimming pools, and gyms.
Kalamaria’s coastline consists of piers, sandy cliffs, and wild beaches. While these places are not suitable for swimming, they are perfect for peaceful walks by the sea. In the 20th century, this area attracted the attention of the Greek royal family, who set up their residence here—Palataki. Though the building no longer serves an official purpose, it is protected and occasionally hosts cultural events.
Kalamaria’s culinary delights are another reason to visit the area. Stylish restaurants offering fresh seafood can be found on Sofouli Street, and several venues near the marina offer panoramic views of the sea. Kalamaria is conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive from the center of Thessaloniki and 15 minutes from the airport. The area has a well-developed public transport network, and in the coming years, several metro stations will open, making it even more accessible.