This Roman market, stocked with regional culinary gems, is beloved by locals.
Like many Italian cities, Rome has no shortage of markets where residents shop for their daily groceries and tourists come to admire the gorgeous fresh foods. While many visitors frequent the famous Campo de’ Fiori, there are a variety of other markets throughout the city known only by locals.
Between the Palatine and Aventine hills, right by the ruins of the Circus Maximus, lies the Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo, which is bustling with locals all weekend long. It’s run by the Campagna Amica Foundation, which is involved in a variety of charity initiatives around Italy like Spesa Sospesa, which donates food to families in need, and which operates zero kilometer markets all over Italy. (The distinction means that the products sold at market are produced no more than 250 KM away.) Whether you’re looking for local produce, picnic fare, culinary souvenirs, or a fresh, local lunch, the Campagna Amica market is the place to be.
At this indoor market that’s only open on weekends, you’ll find stalls from more than 60 different farms in Lazio, Rome’s home region (no parmigiano reggiano here!). Each stall carries unique local products and is staffed by the farmers who actually grew the food. You’ll be amazed at how much each vendor knows about their products. Need a tomato that will be perfectly ripe in two days’ time? Just ask! Wander from stand to stand and grab a number to get in line. You’ll find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, flowers, pasta, olive oil, bread, dried beans, local honey, and so much more.
Don’t miss Fattoria Madonna delle Macchie, a family-run vineyard selling locally grown wines. We recommend trying their grechetto, a crisp white wine native to Lazio. Another must? Azienda Agricola Agri Api Bio, which sells sauces, creams, and spreads of every variety. We absolutely love their crema di carciofi (artichoke cream), but the best part of this stall is that you can sample the products before you buy! For an olive oil souvenir to bring home, check out Azienda Agricola Colantoni Teodoro. Their wonderfully fresh extra virgin olive oil is packaged in tins of various sizes that are easy to pack without the fear of breakage.
When you’re finished marveling at the best that Lazio has to offer, stay for a meal. The market has a lovely courtyard out back where you’ll see Romans having a casual lunch after shopping. Choose from one of the food trucks in the courtyard or buy the lunch of the day that is prepared fresh by the farmer chefs on site. There’s wine and beer for sale in the courtyard, as well as a public Wi-Fi network, so you can relax before your next leg of sightseeing.
Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo
Via di San Teodoro, 74
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-3pm
Visit their website here.
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