Indagini archeologiche sull’antico giardino dei semplici della Spezieria dell’Ospedale Maggiore di Milano

Archive documents record that the pharmacy was working since the beginning of hospital activity. In 1641 a garden to grow medical herbs was laid, and 18th and 19th century maps show the layout of the area. During these years a vast quantity of maiolica containers were purchased, and lists were compiled of the plants and relative treatments. In the first half of the 19th century domestic production was abandoned and the area became an ornamental garden. While aware that post-war reconstruction may have affected the area, was taken the decision to make a study of the garden in order to verify the cartographic and documentary evidence, as well as to search for traces of the original plants. This survey is a preliminary part of the project for the restoration of the garden, called «giardino dei semplici».