The history of Torta delle Zitelle

The Torta delle Zitelle is a traditional sweet from Cervia, a coastal town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This dessert is closely linked to the Sposalizio del Mare festival, an annual ceremony held on Ascension Day, usually in May. During this event, the Bishop of Cervia throws a ring into the sea as a symbol of the bond between the town and the ocean.

The tradition of the Sposalizio del Mare dates back to 1445, when Cardinal Pietro Barbo, Bishop of Cervia and future Pope Paul II, established this ceremony following an episode during a storm in the Adriatic Sea, in which he threw his ring into the water to calm the tempest. This symbolic act has been maintained over the centuries, although the festival was suspended during the Second World War and resumed in the latter half of the 20th century.

The Torta delle Zitelle was conceived in 2003 by students and teachers from the “Tonino Guerra” Hotel Institute in Cervia. Its creation was based on research into the local traditional cuisine, with the aim of recovering and preserving indigenous recipes. Since then, this sweet has become a culinary symbol of the town, especially during the Sposalizio del Mare celebrations.

This dessert is made with a shortcrust pastry base filled with frangipane cream, a layer of sponge cake soaked in Alchermes, blackberry jam, and pine nuts. Its sweet flavour and soft texture have made it a delicacy appreciated by both locals and visitors.

The Torta delle Zitelle is showcased during a large celebration known as the “Torta della Zitella in Festa”, organised by the Pro Loco Riviera dei Pini. During this event, several local bakeries collaborate to prepare a special version of the sweet, which is offered to the public along with wine tastings.

In summary, the Torta delle Zitelle is not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of the rich cultural and gastronomic tradition of Cervia. Its history, combining religious, historical, and culinary elements, reflects the identity of a community that values and preserves its heritage.