I try to explore one of the city’s many markets on each trip to Rome. On my last trip, I took the metro to Stazione Termini, and headed to the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. There weren’t any signs pointing the way, so I walked in the general direction and simply kept watch for the people carrying bags of produce, and that easily led me to the market, which is located on Via Principe Amadeo.

I first stepped into the dry goods part of the market (aka the “Grand Bazaar”), with shops selling bolts of cloth, clothes, and other types of goods.  

 

 

Then I headed to the energetic, bustling, and colorful food market. The Esquiline neighborhood is a center of immigrants, and so is the market.  I heard a smattering of Italian, but lots of other languages were being spoken.  

The food being sold is clearly not just traditional Italian foods. Alongside the traditional produce, vendors include halal butchers and shops specializing in exotic spices and lentils and such (like the beautiful stuff in the photo at the top of this post). Even the produce stands are selling some items that definitely don’t look like traditional Roman fruits and vegetables. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amidst all the different languages, some shouting, and the noise of crates being moved around, I heard a distinctive disco beat, coming and going. I followed the music to this gentleman. He was doing his food shopping, and while selecting his meats and produce, he brought along his own boom box in his cart, and was literally dancing down the aisles, while also fanning himself.

 

All in all, a fun visit.  As I left the market, I finally saw the main sign.