A New Home for Chocolate Lovers: Turin’s First Chocolate Museum

The Rich History of Chocolate in Turin

Touring Turin’s Legendary Chocolatiers

A New Home for Chocolate Lovers: Turin’s First Chocolate Museum

In April 2024, Turin will celebrate the grand opening of its first chocolate museum, Choco-Story, at Via Paolo Sacchi 42. This international brand, already present in Brussels, Brugge, Prague, and Paris, represents a series of capitals united by their passion for chocolate. The museum’s arrival in Turin, the Italian chocolate capital, was announced during the CioccolaTò event and will be the first of its kind in Italy.

The Choco-Story museum is set to open under the historic Pfatisch pastry and chocolate shop, a Turin staple since 1915. The museum will house vintage chocolate-making machinery from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Once requiring about 40 workers, these machines symbolise Turin’s rich history of chocolate-making. Managed by Francesco Ciocatto and Stefanella Bergiotti, this space will be more than a museum; it’s a journey through the evolution of chocolate craftsmanship in Turin.

The Rich History of Chocolate in Turin

Turin’s story with chocolate is as deep and flavorful as the confections it produces. Since 1560, when Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy celebrated the city’s new capital status with hot chocolate, Turin has been at the forefront of chocolate innovation and craftsmanship. From the creation of the Bicerin in the 18th century, a delightful drink made of coffee, cocoa, and milk cream, to the pioneering of solid chocolate bars and the variety of chocolates, the city has continually reinvented its chocolate tradition.

1865 saw the creation of Gianduiotto, a blend of cocoa and Langhe’s “Tonda Gentile” hazelnut, and the first chocolate to be wrapped. Named after the beloved local character Gianduja, this chocolate symbolises Turin’s playful spirit. The city is home to renowned brands like Peyrano, Baratti & Milano, and Giordano, preserving artisanal chocolate-making traditions passed down through generations.

Turin’s chocolate heritage isn’t limited to Gianduiotto. The city also gave birth to the alpino, Boero, and Cremino, each a testament to the innovative spirit of Turin’s chocolatiers. And, of course, Nutella, the world-renowned chocolate spread, was invented here by Pietro Ferrero in 1946. It is a product that has become synonymous with Turin’s chocolate legacy.

Since 2003, Turin has hosted CioccolaTò, a chocolate festival that brings together chocolate enthusiasts, master chocolatiers, and famous brands worldwide. This event showcases Turin’s status as a leader in the world of chocolate, both in industrial innovation and in maintaining the rich tradition of artisanal chocolate-making.

https://www.facebook.com/CioccolaTOfficial/

Touring Turin’s Legendary Chocolatiers

Embark on a sweet adventure through Turin’s cobbled streets, visiting the temples of chocolate that have made the city a haven for chocolate lovers.

Since 1915, Peyrano at Corso Moncalieri 47 has been a cornerstone of Turin’s chocolate heritage, offering a vast selection of traditional chocolates and sweets.

peyrano.com

Although a newer addition (established in 2002), Guido Castagna quickly rose to fame with its “Giuinot,” a Gianduiotto that’s a must-try for any chocolate lover. Located at Via Maria Vittoria 27, it’s a fusion of tradition and modern chocolate-making art.

guidocastagna.it/en

At Via Lagrange 1, you’ll find Guido Gobino’s chocolate paradise. From salted cremini to the summer version of Bicerin, Gobino’s creations cater to all tastes and seasons.

The recent addition to Turin’s chocolate scene, Davide Appendino at Via Cavour 13, stands out with 75% single-origin bars and chocolates that take you worldwide.

davideappendino.it/en/

The latest addition to Turin’s chocolate scene, Domori at Piazza San Carlo 177, offers a contemporary twist on traditional flavours with its wide range of chocolates and pralines.

domori.com/en/

At Via Poliziano 54/c, Boella & Sorrisi’s rich family heritage in chocolate-making is evident in every bite of their exquisite creations.

boella.it/en/