How often does history whisper from the walls of a building? Here at the Ratsapotheke, it does so constantly. This isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in stone and sunlight.
The Ratsapotheke stands proudly on the Untermarkt. It is a testament to Görlitz’s rich past. The city’s council has been here since 1350. Many Renaissance-style buildings surround us, and they create a breathtaking atmosphere.
Let’s talk about the Ratsapotheke itself. Its story began in 1453. But it was from 1550 to 1553 that it was modernized. Wendel Roskopf’s son transformed it into the Renaissance marvel we see today.
Look closely at the side facing the Untermarkt. Notice the two sundials? They’re the work of Zacharias Scultetus. He was the brother of Görlitz’s famous astronomer, Bartholomäus Scultetus. These sundials aren’t just decorative. They are astronomical drawings that capture the spirit of the Renaissance.
The Ratsapotheke’s name has an interesting origin. The first pharmacy in Görlitz was mentioned in 1305. It belonged to a council member. It was located inside the town hall, hence “Ratsapotheke” which means council’s pharmacy.
Another explanation exists. Christian August Struve, a pharmacist, bought this building. He moved his pharmacy here from the town hall. Over time, Rathausapotheke which means town hall pharmacy, shortened to Ratsapotheke.
Until 1832, this was the only pharmacy in Görlitz. Imagine the countless remedies mixed and dispensed within these walls. This building served the city’s health for centuries.
In 1999, restoration work revealed a bricked-up Renaissance portal. Fragments of the original colors emerged. It was like uncovering a hidden chapter of the building’s life. Since 2000, a cafe called Ratscafe has occupied the building. Now it provides a space for locals and tourists to relax and soak in the history.
Take a moment to appreciate the astronomical drawings. Zacharias Scultetus inscribed these works of art between the first and second floors on the south facade in 1550.
The sundial labeled “Solarium” displays various types of hours. Gray lines indicate civil hours. They start at 7 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Arabic and Roman numerals show Italian hours. Red lines mark Babylonian hours.
The adjacent sundial, titled “Arachne,” allows you to read the planetary hours. Red and white areas show the sky’s divisions with zodiac signs. Parabolic lines represent the sun’s seasonal rise.
An inscription below the right clock lists the builders, owners, and restorers. It reads: “SCULTETUS INVENIT: 1550.” It continues with names like HOFFMANN, SCHNEIDER, STRUVE and more. The city council and restorers are also listed.
The Ratsapotheke is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a living record of Görlitz’s history. From its Renaissance architecture to its astronomical art and its vital role as the city’s only pharmacy for centuries, it is a place where you can see the past. The Ratsapotheke invites us to connect with the spirit of Görlitz.