Shopping the Rialto Market in Venice

Oct 15, 2014
One of the benefits of social media is meeting people with similar interests from all over the world. I have known Karen Henderson, an American writer and blogger who lives in Venice, for some time, but we have never met in person.

Today, I met Karen for coffee at a bar in Campo della Guerra, near to where I was staying.  After a cornetto and a cappuccino and a little time to chat, Karen offered to show me the Rialto Market. This centuries-old marketplace has been serving Venetians since the year 1097!

I have not been to the market in the morning, when all the fish vendors are there, so this was a first-time experience for me. Karen explained that the fish vendors leave at noon and are not there on Sundays or Mondays. That is why it’s best to eat at a seafood  in Venice on any days of the week except Sundays and Mondays.

The fish vendors were located in one area of the market and the produce vendors in another.

Karen explained that by noon the pescheria closes and the area gets washed down, but that the produce section stays open longer.

The produce was so fresh and the colors made for great photographic moments. The entire marketplace was very well organized, and there were also meat stalls and place which specialized in equine products, a common food in all parts of Italy. What fun to see a traditional landmark like the Rialto Market with a local like Karen, who has lived in Venice for the past eleven years. She also pointed out the only working fountain in Venice is here at the market. Grazie mille, Karen for a wonderful time!