Our classic Italian wafer cookies originated in Pistoia, Italy, just outside of Florence in the late 1800's. According to local folklore, a beautiful Countess from Torino named Giulia, attended a festival in Pistoia and fell in love with the anise-flavored wafer made sweet by nuns from Communion wafers.
On her return trip, she stopped at Portovenere which is often referred to as the "Bay of Poets." Being a full moon that night, she noticed the beautiful shape and soft glow of the moon resembled her newfound sweet treasure and reminded her of a past romance.
Inspired, she proclaimed it as the Cialde Luna or "Moon Wafer."