Pharmacy Mystery in Barcelona

Artisan crafted shelves, gleaming wood, marble counters, hand made floor tiles, in the family since the early 1900s, sometimes now a candy shop, bakery or boutique, but most often, still a pharmacy.  Ooooozing wealth and fortitude.  

And I wonder.  Were all stores back then this elegant?  Some.  

And I wonder.  How come, after 100 years, they are almost the only ones to survive looking so fabulous? Very complicated.  A government assigned and protected geographic monopoly (money), a customer that always pays (social medicine, money), a culture of penny-pinchers (why remodel, more money) and degreed profession with steady income on family owned property (no rent, more money!).  Attractive to at least one of the kids, easy to pass down untouched.  My favorite, Farmacia Madronal at Compte Borrell 133.