The Torrone is said to have been born at the wedding of Francesco Sforza and Maria Visconti in 1441. In honour of the couple - according to legend - the confectioners of the town created an almond and honey pastry in the shape of the great tower in the main square of the town, the Tornazzo.

True or not, the Cremonese underpin their claim to be the capital of the Torrone with a nine-day festival - even if the inhabitants of San Marco dei Cavoti see things a little differently.

According to the legend, the organizers of the festival represent the wedding of the famous couple in historical costumes and against the backdrop of the Palazzo Comunale, the town hall dating from 1206.
And just like more than 500 years ago, the bakers once again create huge, historic buildings - made of nougat, of course.

The thousands of visitors who crowd through the historic old town with its many sightseeing kites are offered a colourful programme during the nine days: With fanfare parades and fire-eaters. Chamber music and rock concerts. Show baking and show dancing.

And at the countless stalls you can buy torrone and other dolci from all over Italy.