Three Bologna farmers markets I love.
They are not the best or even the only ones. They are the ones I visit weekly.
Shopping at the market is a habit for my family.
It is a chance to get together and come home with something good.
Markets are inclusive places of meeting and discovery. Producers are happy to share tips, recipes, and their stories. Sometimes, little by little, sympathies and synergies are born. Like with Berbere, the smiling Dutch lady in the photo below.
Local foods and farmers markets are a way to embrace and discover a city and its area.
Do you agree?
Moreover, they are part of the culture of the place we have chosen to visit.
When I travel, I always look for local markets and even explore supermarkets (if and when they exist). I don’t forget monuments and museums. I organize my time to savor a little of everything.
Enjoy, Monica
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My fav farmers markets
Piazza Aldrovandi Farmers’ Market
When: every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Piazza Ulisse Aldrovandi
No market: week of Ferragosto
Info
Berbere Christina left her country to live in the Apennines between Modena and Bologna, where she breeds sheep, has many chickens, and grows local varieties of mountain potatoes (including purple ones).
At the market, she brings goat cheese, eggs, and potatoes. And her beautiful smile, of course. We often say we hope to do something together, and I think it will happen. The grape juice needs time to become wine.
I love that market for the festive atmosphere. Before or after the shopping, someone stops by for a cappuccino or a spritz, someone for lunch.
The customers are residents of the area and, for some time, also many foreigners, either passing through or choosing to live here for a while.
This small market counts some hidden gems. In addition to Berbere’s products, I advise you:
- the stall where you can buy dried legumes and fruits. And, when in season, mushrooms and wild blueberries from the Apennines.
- the flower man. More than a stall, he has a chair, a small table, and a few basins where he keeps natural fresh flowers and aromatics. He sells small, cheap bouquets and gives away the seeds.
Mercato della Terra di Bologna
When: every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Piazza Giosuè Carducci
No market: the first 3 Sundays in August
Info
That market takes place in Piazza Giosuè Carducci, where you can visit the historic house museum of the Italian poet, who taught Italian Literature at the University of Bologna, is also located.
Mercato della Terra, managed by Bologna Slow Food, hosts many initiatives.
Stop by the ice cream stall.
Mercato Ritrovato
When: every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m./ Wednesday from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
In summer, the market closes on Saturday mornings and opens on Monday evenings. Location: Via Azzo Gardino 65 + Piazzetta Pier Paolo Pasolini
No market: the week of Ferragosto
Info
The Mercato Ritrovato is a farmers’ market held at the Cineteca di Bologna, an iconic location in the city. You’ll find local and seasonal produce.
You can stop by for an aperitif or to eat and, in addition, participate in kitchen labs.