Panforte and Ricciarelli: Siena's Famous Sweets

# Panforte and Ricciarelli: Siena's Famous Sweets

Two Sienese sweets dominate every pasticceria window. Both are medieval in origin and worth a stop.

Key facts

• Panforte: dense honey, almond, candied fruit and spice cake. Slice thin. Pairs with vin santo.
• Ricciarelli: soft almond cookies, lemon-scented, dusted with icing sugar.
• Best traditional makers: Nannini (multiple locations), Bini, Sapori — all in the historic center.
• Vacuum-packed panforte travels home well; ricciarelli are best eaten within a few days.
• Year-round availability despite their Christmas origins.

What I tell visitors

Buy a small panforte and a few ricciarelli at Nannini. Eat them with a coffee at Caffe Fiorella or Torrefazione Fiorella the next morning.

Related guides

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• Itin

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.