Rialto Market in Venice has existed for more than a thousand years! Even before the construction of the Ponte della Liberta bridge, which in 1846 connected mainland Venice and island Venice, meat and vegetables were brought into the city by boat. Moreover, peasants had to deliver the harvested produce every day directly for the market opening - very, very early in the morning.
The modern building of Rialto Market was built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1907 by architect Domenico Rupolo. Since then and to this day, it has conventionally been divided into two parts: grocery and fish rows. Moreover, the seafood area is open only from Tuesday to Saturday, because on Sunday and Monday Venetian fishermen rest.
Rialto is perhaps the best place to buy groceries. It is here that you can find the best combination of price and quality. Even if you do not intend to stock up on provisions, stop by here early in the morning and you will see the amazing process of Venice waking up. In addition, only in the morning is the richest assortment of the freshest products presented here. By lunchtime there will no longer be such variety, but you will get a good discount instead.
Rialto Market is always crowded and noisy - as you know, Italians are very expressive, actively gesticulate and shout over one another. By coming here, you will be able to observe their simple life, chat with friendly vendors, and, most importantly, feel the spirit of real Venice.
In addition, this market is home to Venice's oldest restaurant - Poste Vecie, which has existed since 1501!
And one more curious fact to finish with: in 2010, Rialto Market was closed for the first time in its long history - the film "The Tourist" starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie was shot there. They say that after that, the flow of tourists dropping by the ancient market increased many times over!
