Since 1097, fish and other fresh produce have been sold at this very exchange, known as il Mercato di Rialto.
Little has changed since ancient times, for the market receives the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike, even if only the locals are there to make a purchase. The location of the market, overlooking the Grand Canal in the area also known as Rialto in the San Polo sestiere, is due to the fact that this was the earliest inhabited part of Venice.
The market is divided into two parts, il Mercato del Pesce di Rialto and il Mercato della Frutta e Verdura, for fish and fresh produce, respectively. The fish market is located underneath the building known as la Pescheria, which was built only in 1907 in a neo-Gothic style, as a replacement to a 19th century steel structure.
It is well worth wandering into the market one morning and allowing your senses to experience it!
Il Mercato di Rialto is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 am until 12 noon.