Rialto Market Walk

• PHOTOS

The historic Rialto market is the culinary, social and economic heart of Venetian life, where locals buy their seafood, meat and produce daily amid the colorful stalls that line the Grand Canal. This small island, originally known as Rivoaltus, was one of the first to be settled by early Venetians, and by the 11th century had become the town’s central marketplace. As we visit this lively center with our docent, we will learn about the history of this space of commerce and trade during the Venetian Republic’s many centuries, as well as the marketplace today, with its emphasis on locally grown produce and seafood.

Our docent, a culinary expert, will lead us through the market explaining the produce that is particular to Venice, for example the small artichokes that come from the nearby island of S. Erasmo, and schie, tiny shrimp fished from the lagoon, and what they mean to Venetian cuisine. This walk will give us the confidence and the knowledge not only to shop in this and other market

The historic Rialto market is the culinary, social and economic heart of Venetian life, where locals buy their seafood, meat and produce daily amid the colorful stalls that line the Grand Canal. This small island, originally known as Rivoaltus, was one of the first to be settled by early Venetians, and by the 11th century had become the town’s central marketplace. As we visit this lively center with our docent, we will learn about the history of this space of commerce and trade during the Venetian Republic’s many centuries, as well as the marketplace today, with its emphasis on locally grown produce and seafood.

Our docent, a culinary expert, will lead us through the market explaining the produce that is particular to Venice, for example the small artichokes that come from the nearby island of S. Erasmo, and schie, tiny shrimp fished from the lagoon, and what they mean to Venetian cuisine. This walk will give us the confidence and the knowledge not only to shop in this and other markets in the city but also to be more adventurous in trying the specialties in Venice’s restaurants and wine bars.

After about an hour of exploring the marketplace, we will stop in at a local eatery for cicchetti, Venetian snacks, and an ombra, a small glass of wine, which is a local ritual. Here, we will learn about and sample some of the delicious seafood delicacies that have made Venetian cuisine famous, and continue our conversation about the economy and culture of seafood in Venice, as well as, more broadly, how this marketplace connects us to Venice’s past and present.