The Rialto food market right by the bridge of the same name has always been the heart of commerce in Venice. The market place is very old, and was also the seat of power and finance as well.
Precious goods were sold, but also fruit and vegetables, wine, fish and meat. In the nearby Campo, near the 11th century Chiesa di S. Giacomo di Rialto, more prestigious commerce was carried out, while the general food market was situated along the banks of the Canal Grande.
Today this food section still exists and is divided between the Pescheria (the fish market) and the Erberia (the fruit and vegetable market). It is the best food market in Venice, and people crowd off boats, dragging their shopping trolleys, from all over the city.
The colorful and vociferous fish market offers abundance and is fundamental to the famous Venetian cuisine. It is found under a wide portico, built in 1907, sheltering several stalls artistically displaying their wares. One can find a huge selection… including crustaceans, eels and sharks!
A forewarning to the faint of heart: some of the fish sold here is still alive and will be cleaned before your very eyes!
– Contributed by Patricia Glee Smith (see bio), accomplished artist and very involved archaeology aficionado based in Otricoli, Umbria. Click here to view her artwork.
