La Bottega del Formaggio

“La Bottega del Formaggio” runs a retail business selling mostly Italian cheeses in a shop that has always been located in the heart of Ferrara’s historic centre. It all began in 1929, when its founder Luigi Burani opened the shop in what was then Piazzetta Berveglieri no. 19, later renamed Piazza del Municipio 19/c. In the following years it moved to the adjoining premises (at the back) of Via Cortevecchia no. 18, where the business is currently located.

On 27 February 1970, Giorgio, the couple’s son, took over together with Signora Luigia Cilloni. Later, Giorgio’s wife Anna and their son Michele also joined the business.

In 2001 the business was taken over by the company La Bottega del Formaggio di Villa L. & Scabbia G. snc, which still runs this historic shop today, preserving over time the same artisanal working methods of the past.

One example is the preparation of Parmigiano Reggiano, a cheese typical of the region, which is cut by hand with a drop-shaped knife, as verified by the Consortium that produces and distributes this cheese in order to check the correct use of the D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin). The quality of the product is thus higher than that of most retailers, who divide the wheels of cheese using machines and prepare vacuum-packed portions. Preserving traditions is therefore, once again, a guarantee of quality and excellence.

Following the updating of hygiene and health regulations, the old equipment (which today would be 95 years old) has obviously been retired, but the atmosphere of the small shop has remained constant over time, keeping the same genuineness of the products offered since 1929, making it a true landmark for locals, visitors and tourists.