- Food & Wine
Le Palle di Agilulfo
A traditional dessert from Lomello
Among the traditional sweets of Lomellina, one stands out for its unique name: "Palle di Agilulfo" (Agilulfo’s Balls). This walnut-shaped biscuit was created by the Pro Loco of Lomello to honor Agilulfo, Duke of Turin, whom Queen Theodelinda married in 590 in the picturesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Lomello.
A Sweet Treat That Tells a Story
"Establishing a place in Lomellina’s rich culinary tradition, filled with numerous specialties, was no easy task," explains Gabriele Prinelli, president of the Pro Loco of Lomello. "However, since this pastry is a royal delicacy, dedicated to a great Lombard king like Agilulfo, it has earned a place of honor among the delights of this Lombard land, once the heart of the Lombard kingdom."
Lomello, renowned for its glorious medieval history, was considered a sort of second capital of the Lombard kingdom after Pavia. The Pro Loco has successfully enhanced this heritage by pairing a unique dessert with the town’s symbolic landmarks: the proto-Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Baptistery of San Giovanni ad Fontes, and the Renaissance Castle of Count-Cardinal Alessandro Crivelli.
The Birth of a Delight
The "Palle di Agilulfo" were first created during the Great Lombard Festival, an event celebrating the wedding of Theodelinda and Agilulfo. To complete the medieval banquet, held every third weekend of June in commemoration of this historic marriage, the Pro Loco engaged a group of local cooks: Rosina Anna Colla, Elsa Negri, Francesca Meloni, Giuseppina Giuliani, and Francesca Villani.
Though initially made in a playful spirit, the "Palle di Agilulfo" have since become a source of pride for the Lomello community. The recipe and production remain closely guarded by the Pro Loco. These sweets have become a symbol of Lomello, sought after by tourists and appreciated as a unique gift idea.
A Recipe from the Past
Early medieval banquets often ended with sweet treats. To create the "Palle di Agilulfo," the Pro Loco drew inspiration from historical traditions and local ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, and walnuts. After multiple trials, they perfected a soft and flavorful biscuit. For its distinctive shape, they chose to use walnut-shaped molds.
Today, there are several variations:
- Classic, just as originally made;
- Chocolate or coffee-flavored dough;
- Filled with dried fruit cream, reminiscent of Lombard banquets;
- Filled with chocolate cream, a later addition following the discovery of America.
A Sweet Treat to Discover
The "Palle di Agilulfo" are the perfect blend of history, tradition, and flavor. Don’t miss the chance to taste them during your visit to Lomello and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and culinary heritage of this fascinating town.
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The main ingredients of the biscuit are:
- Flour
- Walnuts
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
Depending on the flavor, the following may be added:
- Cocoa
- Ground coffee
The filling for the classic, cocoa, and coffee varieties consists of chocolate and hazelnut cream.
A special version, without chocolate or coffee, is served exclusively at the banquet for Queen Theodelinda’s wedding, scheduled for the second Saturday evening of September.
They can be purchased at the Pro Loco Lomello during Sunday visits to the ancient village from April to October.
An additional production takes place during the Christmas season.
