Grattachecca: A Very Roman Tradition

Walking Tours of Rome

Sora Mirella

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Now that summer has finally arrived, what better way to quench one's thirst than with a glass of grattachecca. 

Grattachecca is Roman to its core and consists of hand-shaved ice favoured with a sweet syrup. The word comes from grattare la checca: to grate a large block of ice (checca). Such blocks of ice were used in the past to keep food fresh and cool. 

Grattachecca, which has been a favourite with Romans for more than a century, is sold from kiosks which are dotted about the city. The oldest is Alla Fonte d'Oro, which dates back to 1913, while Sora Mirella is only two years younger. 

The locals are very keen to stress that grattachecca should not be confused with granita, which is made by simply freezing a mixture of water and syrup.

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