Wherever you go in Italy you can find fresh ingredients. Why spend time and extra money on imported produce or processed bread in the super markets when you can head over to a local (usually open-air) market and buy fresh local bread, pasta and in season produce? Almost every neighborhood has a market. There is Mercato di San Cosimato, Campagna Amica next to Circo Massimo, Mercato Testaccio, Campo Marzio and so
many more. You can bet wherever you live or stay in Rome, there will be a market near you.
many more. You can bet wherever you live or stay in Rome, there will be a market near you.
“I love [the markets]! It’s a shame, people don’t know where they are or how to access them, like what times they are. It’s hard to go online and search when and where they are, not like in American where you can easily look it up. But in a way it is nice because of the locality,” says Melanie Gluck from California.
Thankfully there is a journalist here in Rome who started creating a collection of all the open markets in Rome. You can check it out here: http://www.marketsofrome.com/markets.
Markets normally open quite early and close in the early afternoon. It is better to go early as the best produce will be grabbed. “Considering [the markets] are only in the morning, if people are free they prefer it, it is fresher,” says Chiara Lino from Rome.
While many claim licenses only back to the 1940’s, there are records of markets in the areas of the Jewish Ghetto, Campo Marzio and Testaccio for much longer. The tradition has existed since the markets of the Forum in Ancient Rome. Markets bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. Farmers and families come from outside the city to sell their goods while mothers, grandmothers and children come to buy. It is not only local families, but also often restaurant owners who come to see what is in season and what they can serve for that evening.
“There has been a trend of eating organic, you can find better organic and fresh food at the markets so they have gained even more popularity recently,” says Lino.
To experience these markets and grab some great fresh fixings for dinner check out these places:
San Teodoro next to Circo Massimo
Via di San Teodoro, 7400186 Roma
Campagna Amica was founded in 2008 to “carry out initiatives to fully express the value and dignity of Italian agriculture”. They opened a number of markets and stores all around Italy. This particular market only sells produce and goods from inside the region of Lazio. Here you can find produce, wine, beer, cheese, bread, meats, and even beauty supplies. All of the products are GMO free. Market is open to the public on Saturday9 am-6pm &
Sunday; 9 am-4pm. Most farmers offer free tasting and are happy to help you find something for the perfect meal.
Testaccio
The Mercato Testacio sells not only food but also includes artisan stalls and book or comic stalls. The food is even something a little different, along with the local produce baked goods and meat, you will be able to find other regional goods such as Sicilian pastries. This market is open Monday to Saturday, 6:00 – 15:00.
San Teodoro next to Circo Massimo
Via di San Teodoro, 7400186 Roma
Campagna Amica was founded in 2008 to “carry out initiatives to fully express the value and dignity of Italian agriculture”. They opened a number of markets and stores all around Italy. This particular market only sells produce and goods from inside the region of Lazio. Here you can find produce, wine, beer, cheese, bread, meats, and even beauty supplies. All of the products are GMO free. Market is open to the public on Saturday9 am-6pm &
Sunday; 9 am-4pm. Most farmers offer free tasting and are happy to help you find something for the perfect meal.
Testaccio
The Mercato Testacio sells not only food but also includes artisan stalls and book or comic stalls. The food is even something a little different, along with the local produce baked goods and meat, you will be able to find other regional goods such as Sicilian pastries. This market is open Monday to Saturday, 6:00 – 15:00.