When I googled to find markets around me, many of them were quite far away from where I am staying. One was within an hours walk though, and it sounded authentic, just what I wanted. I found a vibrant market in Salerno at Torrione, full of fresh produce, seafood, clothing & much more.
Mercato all’aperto Torrione
This market in Salerno is perhaps one of the biggest in the area and is open 6 days a week from 8am to 1pm. I arrived around 8:30am and about half the stalls were still setting up. It was not crowded at all at that time either, perfect for me.
Located in the Torrione neighbourhood, here, it was easy for me to walk to from the centro storico or old town.
Food
I absolutely love visiting local markets not only to see what is in season, but all of the foods on offer. At Torrione I found gorgeous bright vibrant fruits and vegetables of every colour imaginable.
Mixed in with these stands were stalls of olives and preserves. The fragrant brine’s filled my senses with images of an antipasti dinner!
Across from all of the fresh produce and at the rear of the market are all of the seafood stalls. My goodness, the freshest fish I have seen in so very long. What beautiful gifts from the sea, crabs, squid, all sorts of molluscs, and so many varieties of fish.
Clothing
Probably the next largest item in abundance was clothing. Many tables were opening those huge bundles of textiles, exactly what I saw at the massive outdoor market in Rome.
Table after table of clothes marked from €1 to €5 where you could pick through and find treasures.
There were also stalls selling shoes, undergarments (new), handbags and all sorts of cosmetics and jewellery.
Perhaps my favourite vendor was one who had a long isle of ethnic clothing of many varieties. I was floored by the beauty of some of these fabrics. What a find for anyone crafty or artsy I thought.
Many were covered in embroidery, lace and other fine detailing. These would make gorgeous pillows, curtains, tablecloths and other household decorations.
Or re-purpose them for unique wearable clothing. And guess the price! Each piece was only €1.50! That’s just over $2 CAD.
Other
Torrione market is quite large, however very compact. It is in a square and is contained, unlike some that meander up and down the neighbouring streets.
Located within the clothing section were various other vendors selling household goods, linens, kitchenware, personal products, perfume etc.
There are definitely bargains to be had at this market. If you are in Salerno and have any interest in seeing what the locals are purchasing or are looking for some freshest of fresh food, look no further than Mercato all’aperto Torrione for a singular and unique shopping experience.
