Craving a journey into the heart of chocolate? The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja in Torino awaits. This museum is not just a place to look. It is a place to experience the rich history and artistry of chocolate making.
Torino’s love affair with chocolate has a long history. In 1678 Madama Reale Giovanna Battista di Savoia Nemours granted the first license to sell chocolate drinks here. This marked the beginning of Torino’s sweet legacy. Later Paul Caffarel created the first solid chocolate here. Michele Prochet invented the Gianduiotto.
The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja opened its doors in June. It arose from the collaboration of Francesco Ciocatto and Eddy Van Belle. Ciocatto owns the historic Pasticceria Pfatisch. Van Belle is a Belgian entrepreneur and collector. He has already launched Choco-Story museums in other countries. These include Belgium France the Czech Republic Lebanon and Mexico.
Step inside the Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja. You will find yourself in a world of chocolate wonders. The museum boasts a collection of over 700 objects. These objects tell the story of chocolate from the Maya to the 1900s. See molinillos metates and antique sugar tools. Admire vintage cups chocolate pots and packaging. These items come from Piemonte’s great chocolate factories.
The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja journey begins in a Maya temple. Discover the early cultivation of cacao. Then you will board a Spanish galleon. Learn how Hernán Cortés brought cacao to Europe. An interactive section reveals the transformation from plant to chocolate. A globe shows the evolution of the global chocolate market. It also shows the different cacao varieties and their origins.
A special room honors Torino’s chocolate heritage. It recreates the splendor of the royal courts. Here the Savoia family first enjoyed chocolate. Another room is dedicated to the Gianduiotto. This is the first wrapped chocolate in the world. You can marvel at machines from 1921. They are still fully functional. Watch master chocolatiers at work.
The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja offers an immersive experience. It features multimedia installations and educational games. These activities engage visitors of all ages. Four historical videos depict chocolate’s journey in Europe. They span from the 17th century to 1915. This was the year Pasticceria Pfatisch was founded. Audio guides are available in five languages. These are Italian English French Spanish and German.
Before you leave taste different chocolates and gianduja. The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja is located in Via Sacchi 38. It is in the historic Pfatisch pastry shop. The museum is open daily. The Museo del cioccolato e del gianduja is waiting to share its sweet secrets with you.