People are always chasing after something new, whether it is the recently opened trendy restaurant or the renovated cinema hall. Of course, we do not betray our favorite establishments or clothing brands, however, new items are no less attractive. And what would you say about companies that accept customers not tens, but hundreds and even thousands of years? But some of these oldest companies exist today. You probably have never heard of most of these "oldies." Therefore, we will talk about companies and institutions whose activities can be traced much longer than the pedigrees of most people.
The oldest companies in the world that work to this day:
1
Sean’s Bar (Athlone, Ireland)
For an Irishman, a few pints of beer will be knocked over, like going to a tea party. Therefore, it is not surprising that the oldest pub in Europe is located in the central part of Ireland. Sean’s Bar is located in a tiny town on the banks of the Shannon River. It exists since 900 AD, scrupulously keeping records of the owners and visitors of the institution for many years.
Locals say that in the 80s of the XX century Boy George himself owned this pub (age test). Today, people are drawn to the Sean’s Bar for a drink, a cozy atmosphere and live music. It is noteworthy that the pub does not serve food - as it is in Irish. You can also visit the National Museum, which presents the original wicker walls of the bar and ancient coins, some of which paid the first customers of Sean’s Bar.
Do not miss the interesting article on our site thebiggest.ru about the oldest cities in Europe that exist today.
2
Pharmacy Santa Maria Novella (Florence, Italy)
Santa Maria Novella is the oldest pharmacy in the world, existing in Florence since 1221. It was founded by monks of the Dominicans, they also produce famous perfumes. Ingredients for tinctures are obtained from the monastery gardens. Initially, the pharmacy produced healing ointments, balms and other therapeutic agents exclusively for the church infirmary, however, the fame of their strength soon spread throughout the city.
Santa Maria Novella was open to visitors in the 17th century. Entering the pharmacy today, you will be pleasantly impressed by the aroma of perfume and a wide selection of cosmetics. Interestingly, one of the most popular Aquadi Rose skin care products was originally marketed as a plague disinfectant. If you want to go to the pharmacy, buy one of the products or just visit the museum, you will find this attraction just a few minutes walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station. For tourists, special tours are organized.
3
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (Hayakawa, Japan)
This hot spring hotel has been in business for over a thousand years. It was opened in 705 AD Fujiwara Mahito, and has since been under family management, passing from father to son. The resort hotel is located at the foot of the Akaisi Mountains and is filled with mineral water from Hakuho springs. It is believed that water helps with gastrointestinal diseases and muscle pain, and also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has a total of six indoor and outdoor bathtubs and 37 guest rooms. Of course, the rooms are far from cheap, a night in a hotel will cost about $ 300, but, fortunately, the price list includes all kinds of procedures that will wash away not only illnesses, but also relieve the stress that appeared against the background of high prices.
4
Sobrino de Botin (Madrid, Spain)
When you go to Sobrino de Botin, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world (from among the continuously operating), it immediately becomes clear that if the "antediluvian" brick walls could speak, they would tell you more than a dozen stories. Instead, the restaurant staff will tell us the story of Hemingway, who was a regular customer of the establishment, constantly ordering cochinillo asado (fried milk piglet of excellent taste). This recipe is carefully passed from cook to cook of the restaurant and is still cooked in a 300-year-old wood-burning stove, the fire in which does not go out for a second. The American writer fell in love with Sobrino de Botin so much that he even mentioned it in his novel “And the Sun Rises (Fiesta)”.
The restaurant was founded in 1725 by French chef Jean Botin, after which he was inherited by Candido Remis, the founder’s nephew. Interestingly, the institution was originally called Casa Botin, but was later renamed Remis to Sobrino de Botin (the first word in Spanish means "nephew"). Restaurant guests can dine in the wine cellar or choose the Felipe IV room and the Castile Hall. Visitors are delighted not only with the history of Sobrino de Botin, but also note the cozy atmosphere and a huge selection of original dishes. Having tried one of the treats, tourists prefer to go to the Plaza Mayor to digest food, surrounded by the main attractions of the Spanish capital.
5
Cave Bar (Petra, Jordan)
Petra is a real archaeologist's dream. The ancient city is carved in the rocks, and this is the last place where you will expect to see some semblance of nightlife. Located in the 2000-year-old grave cave, built by the inhabitants of the Nabatean kingdom, the Cave Bar (literally translated as “cave bar”) is an old-fashioned establishment located near the entrance to Petra, which makes it a great place to eat after a tour of the Sik Canyon and inspection of the treasury. Who does not know, it was here that episodes of the famous movie saga about Indiana Jones were filmed. Cave Bar is considered the oldest drinking establishment in the world and can be found next to the Petra Guest House. This is very convenient, because if you went over a little Bedouin alcohol, you can immediately go to rest in your room.
The bar itself is carved in a rocky cave, while most seats are located in the square, where visitors can sip cocktails under the starry sky. Thebiggest.ru editorial staff warns that the bar has a reputation as a rather expensive establishment, so get ready to be intoxicated not so much with alcohol as with the atmosphere.
6
Weihenstephan (Freising, Germany)
Brewing has a thousand-year history, rooted in Mesopotamia, where beer was first produced in modern Iraq. Today, many countries have elevated brewing to the rank of art, and Germany is one of such countries. The Germans are simply obsessed with beer, and the annual Oktoberfest festival is visited by thousands of tourists. Among the many beer houses, the oldest existing brewery is represented there.
Weihenstephan was founded about a thousand years ago by the monks of Benedictine Abbey. Since then, the brewery has changed equipment several times, however, it proudly declares that it supports the original beer production process. Visitors to the Weihenstephan beer house can enjoy a wide range of dark and light wheat beer, as well as try exotic varieties with an original taste. There are several types of non-alcoholic beer for teetotalers. Of course, visiting a brewery cannot be considered complete without visiting an excursion that includes tasting.
7
Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli (Agnone, Italy)
The famous foundry was founded by the Marinelli family in 1040. This is Italy's oldest family business. Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli makes and restores bells, although it also accepts orders for the creation of bas-reliefs - three-dimensional paintings on the plane, with protruding figures. The company produces church artifacts.
In fact, the Roman Catholic Church was the largest customer of the foundry, and since 1924 the company was officially recognized by the Vatican and was allowed to use the papal emblem. Visitors can enter the territory of the foundry and visit the museum, where several figures of animals from bronze are on display. The main thing is to plan an excursion, since the hours of visiting the museum vary depending on the time of year.
On this our article came to an end. Thebiggest editors, as always, are waiting for your interesting comments. Perhaps you know the other oldest companies in the world?
Author: Maxim Svistunov