De la Serna Pharmacy

The former façade of this century-old chemist’s marked 1853 as the date it opened but it may have been even earlier, as a request by Mr. Félix Andrés Cuadrado, as a collegiate member, has been found in the Royal Academy of Pharmacy Archives, stating that it was opened at 5, Calle Santa Isabel on 2 January 1836. In 2026, it moved a few doors down the street, from Number 7 to 21 Calle Santa Isabel in Lavapiés.

It is one of the most emblematic and traditional chemist’s in Madrid, renowned at its previous location for having preserved its original furniture and vintage counter.

Juan de la Serna took over the pharmacy in 1945, and the business has remained in the hands of the same family ever since, spanning three generations. The chemist’s became popular during the 20th century thanks to its highly effective formula to treat haemorrhoids.