Pasticceria Marchesi

Mondays in Milan / Les lundis en Lombardie

I photographed this building in Milan last year because I am interested in sgraffito. At the time I had no idea that it was one of the oldest and best known pastry shops, confectioners and cafes in the city. Consequently we didn't go in, and I guess that's our loss.

According to their website, the business was started in 1824, operating from this 18th century building. In the beginning they just made and sold cakes, biscuits, pastries and confectionaries, but in 1900 the family expanded their operation to include a bar which served coffee, refreshments and cocktails. They have always prided themselves on their traditional manufacture of classic lines using fresh ingredients. Even today the products sold are made on the site, and the offices are out the back, allowing scrupulous quality control. Today the business is run by the grandson of the original owner, his wife and their children.

For the last twelve months we have written about the northern Italian city of Milan on Mondays. We think it is time to stop now, so this will be the last post regular post on the subject. To read our other posts on Milan click here.