The Merchant of Venice - Spezieria all'Ercole d'Oro

Stepping into Spezieria all'Ercole d'Oro feels like traveling back in time. ✨ This historic 17th-century pharmacy was once famous for preparing the legendary Theriaca elixir, and today it serves as the home of The Merchant of Venice perfumes. The interior, with its dark wood carvings, marble statues of Hercules, and ancient apothecary jars, is simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect blend of Venetian heritage and luxury scents inspired by the ancient spice routes.

What an experience! Tucked away in one of the less touristy corners of Venice, there’s a hidden gem inside an old pharmacy. I was the only customer at the time, and the gentleman who helped me was incredible – he described each suggested fragrance with such passion and detail. I couldn’t resist and ended up choosing one. Highly recommended for perfume lovers – and even those who just appreciate something special. I’ll be back next year for another bottle (or two!)

The store looks like an old pharmacy which suits the story of this niche brand. As for the selection of the fragrances, most of them are inspired by more popular offerings from the designers and niche scents which is a missed opportunity.

Incredibly kind and warm clerks. The perfume is phenomenal. I’ve bought 100s of bottles and brought all of my friends. We each have our own scents we’ve chosen. I constantly get compliments on my perfumes. Each bottle is a work of art and many of their lines are designed around Teatro La Fenice. Do not hesitate to stop in and change your life. They have two locations in Venice but this one is superior as it’s in a beautiful and ancient pharmacy.

Very nice, male shop assistant in this very old, wooden made shop, who knows a lot about the fragrances and is very passionate about. Moreover he knows how to sell.. Unfortunately I could not buy the parfum as the preferred size was out of stock. I would go there again to receive that fabulous advice.

I visited this branch as a last resort, since I had been interested in these perfumes ever since I visited the museum in Venice, but when dropping by one of their fancier venues in the city centre I felt absolutely rushed by the clerk there, and not welcome to inquiry anything further (I was in doubt whether to acquire the standard mix or the intense one, as I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was the scent I experienced years ago). Given this experience, I was not too hopeful and rather ready to give up on buying anything altogether. However, we ventured to this delightful store, at least for the sake of the story, but were also lucky enough to come across Enrica who, curiously enough, was not the actual MoV clerk but the chemist from the Pharmacy next door that shares the premises. To say she was kind and patient is a total understatement: she was absolutely charming and engaging, dissipated my doubts by amending my incorrect impression about the differences between the two versions of the scent I fancied, invited my wife with a sample, and spent the quiet remaining minutes before closure time joyfully telling us about the history of the shop and about its details. This enjoyable experience turned me into a customer, a very satisfied one, as Enrica literally won us back from what had been an otherwise disappointing beginning with MoV. Ringraziamo tanto e aspettiamo di tornare presto!

Knowledgeable man who knew what we wanted simply by using explaining the description of the ideal perfume. Insane.

Wonderful shop, the service is impeccable. It's one of a kind. Signature fragrances. Definitely worth to visit