Barbero since 1881: Piedmontese chocolate tradition
OUR STORY
The historic Pasticceria Cioccolateria Barbero opens its doors under the elegant porticoes of the centre of Cherasco
Pale wood and frosted glass engraved with the words "Caffè Nero" and "Birra di Vienna”; a wonderful tableau with a scene of childhood games, red marble fittings.
The interior is a quintessential example of a Piedmont cake shop in the Liberty style, completely restored and still extremely lively, in which the endless fascinating details of the decor and the furnishings inspire the discovery of the delights artfully displayed in glass cases and under antique glass domes: profiteroles, pastries, tarts, chocolates, caramels and all the multi-coloured delicacies developed over decades of creative pastry-making.
1881
The origins of Barbero Cioccolato
Towards the end of the 19th century, when Giolitti's Italy was eager for African adventures, the ingenious Marco Barbero of Cherasco, a man of humble origins, decided to learn the trade of a pastry chef, and moved to Turin to work as a delivery boy. Some years later, he returned to his birthplace and opened an elegant café and cake shop in the centre of town. With its wooden shelves, white marble tables and brass lamps, today it is still as elegant as ever.
1940
A place of meetings and memories
The small bistro tables recall the ladies, both noble and bourgeois, who came here to drink hot chocolate or tea in the company of military officers and high school teachers and thinkers Pastonchi and Bontempelli.
King Victor Emmanuel and the handsome Prince Umberto came here in search of excitement; hardened combatants were briefly tamed, ministers of the king and the republic were customers, along with powerful businessmen and bold financiers.
Today
Where time stands still and taste comes to life
Now that Giancarlo Torta and his children Luca and Cristina have refurbished the product range, the shop welcomes the cultured and educated tourists who are attracted to the lovely town of Cherasco, eager to enjoy the specialities and sample the Baci di Cherasco® and other delights.
There is talk of famous actors, Nobel prize candidates and leading figures from countries all over the world among the constant flow of people who can't resist the temptation of the colourful jewels displayed in the windows and enter the shop to wait patiently for a delicious treat in a very special atmosphere.
