Colomba di Pasqua

Colomba pasquale (it. = Easter dove ), also known simply Colomba, is the name of a popular Italian pastry made ​​from dough in the shape of a dove with wings spread. Typical of the Colomba is the use of orange peel in the preparation of the dough and sprinkle with the flaked almonds and powdered sugar. The Colomba is often baked in a fireproof paper form. It may have a wing span of more than 50 centimeters.

The Colomba is usually baked for Easter, decorated in various forms and given to relatives, friends and acquaintances.

According to legend, the custom goes back to the Battle of Legnano in 1176. At that time, the Milan based troops are landed two doves; this was interpreted as a promise of divine assistance in the Lombard League. To commemorate the event two doves are released annually in a memorial Mass in the Basilica of San Simpliciano in Milan.