In ancient times it was a symbol of success, possessed only by those who could maintain the low temperatures required by such an innovative and demanding product. Nowadays it is among the most accessible Italian luxuries, we savour its taste and breathe its history, we talk about ice cream, uniquely artisanal.
Numerous legends surround the origins of gelato, some more fanciful, others supported by actual evidence. Arabs, Egyptians, and Romans delighted in cooling their days by refrigerating products like fruit juices.
It was Pliny the Elder, in one of his verses, who recounted how the Romans used to mix ice, honey, and fruit juices. The Arab peoples, who arrived in Sicily, were enchanted by the soft white snow covering Mount Etna and experimented with combining it with fruit juices.
It is to Italy that we owe the birth of gelato as we know it today. In Florence, around 1565 at the court of Catherine de’ Medici, Bernardo Buontalenti, better known as Master Bernardo of the pinwheels, created gelato thanks to his intuition, mixing snow, salt, sugar, egg whites, lemons, and milk.
This delicacy was an immediate success, spreading to America and England where, thanks to the Italians living there, in the 19th century it won the hearts of Anglo-Saxon peoples who bought gelato sold on the street by the so-called "hokey-pokey" men.
The delicate balance of ingredients holds the secret to gelato; everything begins with balancing and seeking high-quality raw materials that make this refreshing product so delicious. Too little sugar makes it unpalatable, while too much prevents it from freezing. The percentage of fruit or cocoa influences its color. The air inside determines its volume.
The gelato from Marchesi 1824 stands out for its rich, unique, and overwhelming flavor, capable of reviving emotions of the past and offering you a refreshing treat that shows dedication, passion, and careful study of the production processes that constitute its essence.
We invite you to discover all that the different flavors can offer you, from velvety creams to fruit flavors strictly from our land.
To celebrate this moment, you can enjoy your cup or cone in a suggestive and unforgettable setting: at the Santa Maria alla Porta location, the gelato cart will always be present during the summer season, exuding joy and a summer spirit that can only be alleviated with good gelato.
