However, it is certain that the “birth” of culatello is to be closely linked to the feud of the Pallavicino family, who ruled the territories of Busseto, Zibello and Polesine from 1249.
“Investiture of Parma” in 1691,depicting a woman holding a cured meat traceable to culatello
The first explicit and “official” mention of culatello, however, dates back to 1735, within a document of the City of Parma.
The Parma dialect poet, Giuseppe Maria Callegari (1785-1829) who mentions it among the dishes served in paradise, while Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) brings it to the Tsar's table in St. Petersburg.
But it will be the “vate” Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) who will give it worldwide fame.
Antica Corte Pallavicina, Strada Palazzo Due Torri, 3 - Loc. Polesine Parmense (PR)
Museum of Culatello and Masalén:
Tel. +39.0524.936539
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
