Mercato di Piazza Vittorio – Vegetables and spices

The New York Times once offered it as the ‘best money saving tip’ for Rome when visiting the Eternal City on a budget. But I think you should visit the Esquilino market (better known as the Piazza Vittorio market) not only for its cheap groceries, but also to witness Rome’s slow progression into a multicultural city, catering to the diverse needs of immigrants.

The market used to be one of Rome’s most important and traditional markets. It was located outdoors at the center of Piazza Vittorio and used to be run mostly by Italian –or rather Roman- vendors. As the Esquilino district evolved into a largely immigrant neighborhood, (it is now seen as Rome’s Chinatown), the market was moved indoors in a former milk plant just east of the piazza, and its vendors, as well as its shoppers, are now almost exclusively immigrants.

The Esquilino market is an interesting place to visit to immerse yourself in an exotic atmosphere. Here, you will be able to puzzle at the odd shapes of some vegetables; you will be overpowered by the bright colors and strong smells of spices; you will be frazzled by the din of a multitude of different languages.

Mostly, after having purchased 26 different types of rice and an equally high number of different spices, you will have had a different experience of the ever-evolving Eternal City.