As a passionate admirer of cocoa, I drive to Perugia, a city that is not only stunning but also a paradise for chocolate lovers. Known as the birthplace of the famous Baci Perugina pralines, created in 1907 by Luisa Spagnoli, Perugia has earned its place as a chocolate Walhalla.
The Heart of Italian Chocolate
In Perugia, you’ll find prestigious institutions like the Scuola del Cioccolato (Chocolate School), the Perugina Chocolate Museum (Museo Storico Perugina), and the House of Chocolate (La Casa del Cioccolato), all managed by Perugina. Each offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the history and craft of chocolate making.
Perugia’s Distretto del Cioccolato, or Chocolate District, is home to several artisanal shops where the rich chocolate-making tradition lives on. While this district isn’t a physical area, it’s a collective of independent chocolate artisans keeping Perugia’s legacy alive.
Eurochocolate Festival: A Celebration of All Things Chocolate
Every year, the historic center of Perugia hosts Eurochocolate, Europe’s largest and most prestigious chocolate festival. This international exhibition is a true paradise for chocoholics, featuring extravagant creations, exotic chocolate combinations, and reinterpretations of classic recipes. During this time, the entire city is filled with the scent and flavor of chocolate, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
From Tradition to Global Fame
Perugina’s chocolate legacy goes beyond Italy. In 1939, it opened a store in New York, and after World War II, Perugina became a symbol of Italy’s booming economy. Today, Perugina is part of the Nestlé group, but its cultural and culinary significance remains strong in Perugia.
Must-Visit Chocolate Stops in Perugia:
- Negozio Perugina (Perugina Shop), Corso Vanucci 110
- Pasticceria Sandri, Corso Vanucci 32
- Cioccolateria Talmone, Via Maestà delle Volte 12
- Antica Latteria Perugia, Via Baglioni 5
- Cioccolateria Augusta Perusia, Via Pinturicchio 2
- Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, Viale S. Sisto 207
Practical Tip: For chocolate lovers visiting Perugia, be sure to attend Eurochocolate for a taste of the finest creations from around the world and visit the renowned Casa del Cioccolato.
For more information:
Eurochocolate Festival
Perugina Casa del Cioccolato
