Located on Piazza della Repubblica, Porta Palazzo market has always been a beloved spot for locals. Over the last two decades, this picturesque market has become also one of the city’s most popular attractions for visitors.
Covered by colored awnings, the stalls are mounted very early in the morning, every day except Sunday. The open-air market is open from Monday to Friday until around 1 p.m., whereas Saturday you can find the vendors until late afternoon.
Porta Palazzo market has been in operation since 1835, almost two centuries! That’s why in this area you can still see some old ice houses, underground chambers made of bricks. Prior to the invention of refrigerators, they were used to preserve perishable food.
Everything can be found here: flowers, clothing, shoes, household products, etc., basic and reasonable items, but for food, it is a great place due to the amazing variety and the freshness of the goods on offer.
Saturday is definitely the busiest day: since the border to France is fairly close, many French visitors bustle along the market with the locals.
A full immersion in tastes and flavors
Despite the increasing trend of on-line shopping, there is nothing like the flavors and voices of a real market, as a treat for the senses.
Take a relaxed walk through the fruits and vegetable section, a feast for the eye and a joy for photographers. Olives of all sizes, cheese, beans, grains, a fantastic place for vegetarians!
Make sure to have a glance at the local farmers’ market, behind the old market hall.
Food and art
On the facades of the old market hall, dating back to 1916, there is a conceptual art installation designed by the contemporary artist Michelangelo Pistoletto. The same phrase Amare le differenze (Love difference) is written with neon tubes in 39 different languages. After all, markets have always been gathering places for people coming from different areas and Porta Palazzo is no exception.
Moreover, in one of the old ice houses one can quite often find temporary exhibitions organized in collaboration with the MAO – Museum of Asian art of Turin.
The new hall, designed by the architect Massimiliano Fuksas, hosts the MERCATO CENTRALE, a real Mecca for culinary connoisseurs. An array of delicious meat and sea food specialties awaits. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Piedmontese and Italian cuisine and enjoy the epicurean atmosphere of Porta Palazzo Food Market.
Wish to be plunged in a sensory, culinary heaven as you sample delightful local products? Contact us for a private, bespoke food tour!