Page 346 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

344  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

Street Markets Anyone who has an interest in
flowers will enjoy this wonderful
Rome’s open-air markets are essential to visit if you are array of Mediterranean blooms,
interested in soaking up the bustling atmosphere of Italian which are sold at giveaway prices.
market-life. The markets can be incredibly colorful and vivid Mercato Andrea Doria
as Italian vendors have raised the display of even the Via Andrea Doria. Map 3 B1.
humblest vegetable to an art form. q Ottaviano S. Pietro. @ 23, 70, 490.
The city is dotted with popular, small local food markets, Open 7am–1:30pm Mon–Sat.
and there are several fascinating well-established markets The market used to stretch the
near the center of the city, along with the famous flea whole length of this wide avenue.
market over in Trastevere. It has now been transferred to a
It is important to keep your wits about you in markets modern, covered state-of-the-art
building. Aside from the magnificent
because pickpockets work with lightning speed in the displays of fruit and vegetables, it
bustling crowds. But that said, Roman markets provide a has numerous stands selling meat,
vibrant source of entertainment and it would be a shame poultry, fish, and groceries, as well
to let such caveats deter you from joining in. as an interesting clothing and shoe
section. Located northwest of the
The street fairs that take place throughout the year are Vatican Museums, it is a little off
fun to go to, if they coincide with your visit, since they the normal beaten track, and has
normally sell a good variety of local produce, handicrafts, remained very much a Roman
and clothes. Seasonal fairs also occur, especially around market that caters to the needs of
the large local population.
Christmas, when you can stock up on Italian specialties.
Nuovo Mercato Esquilino
Via Principe Amedeo. Map 6 E5.
Campo de’ Fiori extremely busy on Saturdays, so be q Vittorio Emanuele. @ 105.
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori. Map 4 E4 & 11 C4. prepared to fight your way through Open 7am–2pm Mon–Sat. See p176.
@ 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 116, 492, 628. the crowds.
v 8. Open 7am–1:30pm Mon–Sat. In the past, bustling Piazza Vittorio
See p148. Mercato delle Stampe was perhaps the most Roman of
Largo della Fontanella di Borghese. the city’s larger markets.
Right in the heart of the old city, Map 4 F3 & 12 D1. @ 81, 116, 117, Rechristened, and housed in
Rome’s most picturesque market 492, 628. Open 7am–1pm Mon–Sat. covered premises, it is still the place
is also its most historic. Its name, where bargain-hunting popolari,
Campo de’ Fiori, which translates as This market is a veritable haven for Rome’s bustling shoppers, buy their
field of flowers, sometimes misleads lovers of old prints, books (both food. Vendors offer cheap prices if
people into expecting a flower genuine antiquarian and less-exalted you buy by the kilo (2.2 lb), but
market. In fact, the name is said to secondhand), magazines, and other watch out for bad fruit.
derive from Campus Florae (Flora’s printed ephemera. The quality varies, This is also one of the city’s more
square) – Flora being the lover of but it is a good deal more specialized international markets, and features
the great Roman general Pompey. A than the banche or stands near African and Asian food stands that
market has actually been held in this Termini station, which are a more cater to the area’s diverse groups.
beautiful piazza for many centuries. obvious tourist trap. Italian-speaking Definitely a place to go if you want
Every morning except Sunday, the collectors can enjoy a field day to capture the atmosphere of a
piazza is transformed by an array of leafing through back issues of traditional but changing city.
stands selling fruit and vegetables, specialty magazines. Other visitors
meat, poultry, and fish. One or two might prefer the wonderful selection Mercato di Testaccio
stands specialize in beans, rice, dried of illustrated art books and old prints Between Via A. Volta and Via Galvani.
fruit, and nuts, and there are also of Rome. It is a good place to pick up Map 8 D3. q Piramide. @ 23, 75,
flower stands located near the that Piranesi print of your favorite 280. v 3. Open 7:30am–1:30pm
fountain. But the huge open baskets Roman vista, ruin, or church – but be Mon–Sat.
of broccoli and spinach, chopped prepared to bargain hard.
vegetables, and freshly prepared Filled with stands selling fresh produce
green salad mixes are the main Mercato dei Fiori of every kind, the local market for this
attraction for visitors. They provide Via Trionfale. Map 3 B1. q Ottaviano most Roman of areas is a stage set of
a striking visual display as well as S. Pietro. @ 23, 51, 70, 490. seductive colors and textures.
an edible feast. Open 10:30am–1pm Tue. Uniquely, it also houses the Roman
The excellent delicatessens on remains found on the site during the
the square, and bakeries nearby, Essentially a trade market, the Flower construction of the present building;
complement the market. They make Market, just north of Via Andrea appropriately enough, archaeologists
it a great place to stock up for an Doria, is open to the public only on think that the ruins testify to a market
impromptu picnic if the weather Tuesdays. Housed in a covered hall, that stood here in ancient times.
is pleasant and you are tempted to it has two floors overflowing with Popular with local residents, who
do some al fresco dining in one of cut flowers upstairs, and all kinds insist on high-quality produce at
Rome’s many parks. The market gets of potted plants on the lower floor. reasonable prices, the market also

US_344-345_EW_Rome_US.indd 344 19/04/2017 12:34
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
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Date 13th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm