12/10/2025: Pasticceria Colicchia: A Sensory Journey into the Heart of Trapani's Tradition
There are places that aren't just simple businesses, but true institutions, custodians of stories, flavors, and traditions passed down through generations. Pasticceria Colicchia in Trapani is one of them. Since its founding in 1885, this historic pastry shop, initially known as "Caffè del Commercio," has been a beacon of excellence, a point of reference for anyone who wants to savor the true essence of Sicilian pastry making and granita. Entering Colicchia isn't just a purchase, but a complete sensory experience, a journey into the past that lives on in the present with undiminished vitality and quality.
My recent visit confirmed to me that this place's fame is not only deserved, but even surpassed by reality. My taste buds were literally captivated by a chocolate granita of unparalleled density and creaminess. Not your average frozen, grainy granita, but a liquid work of art, a "drinkable chocolate" as connoisseurs call it, with a depth of flavor that demonstrates the use of the highest-quality ingredients. It's a pleasure that envelops the palate, a treat that warms the heart even on the hottest days.
But the real love at first sight came with the mulberry granita. Anyone lucky enough to taste it immediately knows they're in for something extraordinary. The incredible aroma and flavor of real fruit is immediately noticeable, but the magic lies in finding actual mulberry pieces inside, which explode in the mouth with their natural sweetness, lending a texture and authenticity rarely found elsewhere. It's proof of an uncompromising approach to preparation, one that respects the seasonality and freshness of the ingredients.
And how can you resist the temptation of cannoli? Colicchia's cannolo is not just a simple dessert, but the perfect embodiment of Sicilian pastry-making: a crispy shell fried to perfection, enclosing a sweet, delicate, and silky ricotta cream, with an intoxicating freshness. Each bite is an explosion of contrasts and harmonies, making it clear why this dessert is one of the most renowned symbols of Italian pastry-making worldwide.
The history of Colicchia is also the history of Trapani, and its reputation has transcended the city's borders, attracting a large audience of illustrious figures over the decades. It's fascinating to imagine how, from 1885 to the present day, so many historical figures and celebrities have enjoyed the same delicacies I have had the pleasure of savoring.
Among the illustrious figures who have visited Pasticceria Colicchia in Trapani, Gioacchino Cataldo, the last "rais" of the historic Tonnara Florio on Favignana, deserves mention. His presence, linked to another ancient local tradition—tuna fishing—is emblematic of how Colicchia is a meeting point for the diverse excellences and histories of the Trapani province. It is a tribute to tradition that, in a certain sense, unites two souls inextricably linked to this land. His presence is a testament to the fact that Colicchia is not just a place of sweetness, but a cultural crossroads where the people who have shaped local history meet.
In conclusion, Pasticceria Colicchia in Trapani is not just a place to eat, but an experience to be lived. It is a museum of taste, a temple of tradition where every granita, every cannolo, every dessert tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and profound love for Sicily and, in particular, for the city of Trapani. If you find yourself in this city, you cannot help but treat yourself: enter this magical place and let your senses guide you on an unforgettable journey.
12/10/2025: A typical Trapani pastry shop, tucked away in a slightly hidden alleyway, but clearly signposted from the streets leading up to it. Perhaps one of the oldest pastry shops in business since before 1900. We had fantastic artisanal cassata and cannoli gelato... but I think the mulberry granita is a must-try. It's still handmade and churned before serving. We saw the owners make it on site. I recommend getting the large one because it's so good you'll never want it to end!
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