• History of Sorbet
• History of Ice Cream
• History of Gelato
• Other Notable Dates and Trivia
• Culinary Schools

Gelato History

The History of Gelato dates back to the 16th century. There is some confusion as to where or who really invented gelato. Most stories credit Bernardo Buontalenti, a native of Florence, who delighted the court of Caterina dei Medici with his creation. The people of Italy are certainly credited with introducing gelato to the rest of Europe; with Sicilian born Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, who was undoubtedly one of the most influential individuals in the history of gelato, as one of the first to sell it to the public. Summoned to Paris in 1686, he opened a café named after himself called "Café Procope", which quickly became one of the most celebrated haunts of the literary establishment in France. Meanwhile, in Italy, the art of traditional gelato making was passed on from father to son, improved and perfected right up to the 20th century, when many gelato makers began to emigrate, taking their know-how to the rest of Europe. It's also quite popular in Brazil.