The State Archives of Abruzzo has extensive documentation about saffron production and many related events.
The oldest document relating to saffron trade is a diploma by King Robert dated March 28, 1317.
With this diploma, the ministers of Abruzzo ordered that the saffron merchants should not be burdened by an extraordinary toll.
Several prestigious families gave birth to an international market of this spice that in the Renaissance became central for the economy of the whole area, the delight of noble and reigning tables throughout Europe.
In fact it is also called “the red gold”.
