The year 1824 saw the creation of a legend, when this pasticceria opened on Via Santa Maria alla Porta in Milan, at a crossroads that once signaled the entrance to ancient Roman Mediolanum. The Marchesi family’s handmade sweet creations swiftly gained a loyal following among the Milanese, and for two hundred years they have been building an extended family of loyal clients, generation by generation.

It takes something special to grow a family business over two centuries, and today Marchesi 1824 has lost none of its Milanese glamour. In 2014, the Prada Group acquired Pasticceria Marchesi from the family. While preserving the brand’s heritage, the Prada Group has expanded it to three locations in Milan and an outpost in London, bringing the Marchesi 1824 magic to the world.

For every moment of the day, from morning breakfast to leisurely lunch to evening aperitivo, for every holiday of the year, from Valentine’s Day and Easter to the joyous Christmas season, there is a reason to visit Marchesi 1824 and relish its multitude of treats: traditional Italian cookies, velvety gelato, colorful candies, savory saffron risotto, Torta Aurora and tartlets, all made with care from the finest ingredients. With enticing text and delectable imagery, this volume explores the DNA of the Marchesi magic and the milestones of its history and heritage: From the iconic golden-brown holiday panettone that first put the pasticceria on the map, to the pastel packaging emblematic of the brand, from its tableside tea and coffee “rituals” that elevate a caffeine break to an art form, to its elaborately hand-decorated multitier celebratory cakes.

Photos Courtesy of Assouline