the chocolate factory

The story of Cioccolateria Romeo Viganotti began in Genoa in the second half of the 19th century. Thanks to meticulous research into our past, we have explored the origins of what is now one of the most famous historical factories in the Ligurian capital. Fascinating documents consulted during this research tell us that the forefather of the Viganotti family, Domenico, was already a well-known chocolate maker in 1866, and owned a workshop in Via della Maddalena, which later moved to Via Garibaldi.
Of his numerous children, one in particular became successful in the family business: Romeo.
The story goes that when he was still a curious child, Romeo often used to sneak into other chocolate factories in the city: after all, what could a small boy understand about the techniques used by master pastry chefs? And this was the beginning of the historic Viganotti chocolate factory.

Romeo had two daughters: the elder died early, but the younger, Letizia, became the owner of the business on her father’s death in 1954. Letizia Viganotti never married or had children, but was helped and supported in the business by her uncle Pietro Adorno Pastorino, her mother’s brother and Romeo’s brother-in-law. And in 1959 Pietro Pastorino inherited the company from his niece. Pietro had two children, Maria Jose and Roberto, but neither married or had children.

Roberto Pastorino took over the factory in the mid-60s and, along with his sister Maria, continued the artisan production of chocolate, following the tradition that had distinguished the Romeo Viganotti brand for over a century. When they retired in the late 90s, the Pastorino siblings were tempted to close the business, unwilling to pass it on to someone who lacked the will and dedication needed to continue the long-established company.