Stratta – Turin

Monica Werling, owner of the historic pastry and confectioner’s store, Stratta, in Turin, answers a few questions on the history of the 177-year-old establishment.

When and how was Stratta born?
Stratta first opened its doors in 1836. Two master confectioners, Stratta and Reina, wanted to show their abilities, so they left their workshop to have direct contact with the amblers of Piazza San Carlo, one of the greatest squares of Turin.

What are some of the features Stratta relies on?
The elegant and classic matrix of candies, the selection of products and attention to discerning customers are key at Stratta.

Is there a product you are known for? 
The gianduiotto is everyone’s favorite, that’s why Stratta’s pastry chefs follow the original recipe. Other excellent products are the marron glacé, the praline, the Cavour’s meringues with chocolate, the Turineis – which are small bits of chocolate made of rhum cream, the colored bon-bons and, last but not least, Stratta’s candies, stuffed with drops of fruitsauce.

Does Stratta offer other services to its clientele?
There’s the caffé, patisserie and confectioner’s, a small restaurant in the dehors and a catering service.

Who is the regular customer? 
Stratta is situated in Palazzo Solaro del Borgo, an 18th century building where Società del Whist’s members used to organize their rendez-vous. Stratta’s client is refined, polished. Some customers are related to institutions, corporations and the world of fashion. They turn to Stratta’s catering service to organize their banquets.

Tell us about the style and the furniture.
The interior design is still original: from the classical woods refined by gold inserts to the crystal furnishings, from the antique mirrors to the marble counter. We restored the shop two years ago with tutelage and supervision from the Belle Arti, the government department responsible for the maintenance of monuments and other recognized national treasures.

Is there any anecdote or curiosity related to Stratta?
In 1840 Stratta stood out among the shops in the city for being one of the first to request the installation of gas lighting to replace the oil system. In the late 1800s Stratta became the official “Supplier of the Royal Family” and today there still is the Savoy’s family crest at the center of the shop’s main wall. Cavour was also a special customer: when Italy became a Kingdom, he wanted to tempt ambassadors and politicians. That’s why he chose Stratta for his famous order or treats: 29 kilos of marron glacés, 18 kilos of sherbet, 37 kilos of caramelized fruits and pastries, jams and meringues.

Stratta is located at Piazza San Carlo 191, Turin.