Panforte is the most reknown Senese treat. Once associated with Christmas and an important part of the holiday traditions, today Panforte is sold throughout the year. While walking through the city streets, one can’t but help succumb to the temptation of Panforte. Siena is rich in pastry shops, bakeries and other types of venues where tasty desserts are still being prepared according to old recipes which have been passed on from generations past.

Between history and legend. The most famous producers of Panforte carry the names of ancient herbalists and pharmacists that jealously guarded their special recipe. Legend has it that this delicacy dates back to Middle Ages, when Sister Berta became concerned about the well being and health of the weakened Sienese people following a siege of the city and began preparing a high energy dessert made from a mixture of honey, dried fruit, almonds and spicy pepper. The result of Sister Berta’s worry was Panpepato, the first Panforte.
At one time, it was believed that this dessert had aphrodisiac qualities and that, according to the elderly, helped in keeping families together and husbands and wives from fighting.