I had the luck of wandering into this market on a Saturday morning around 9:30am a few weeks ago…read more Unbeknownst to me this market (both farmers market and street vendor clothing/home wares/accessories/decor portion) is only open Saturdays and Tuesdays from 8am to afternoon. The farmers market part is located in Sant Agostino piazza and all the vendors have stands set up. On the outskirts of the piazza are the butchers and cheesemongers, at the center are the fresh produce, dried and preserved goods and a couple florists. The produce all looked very fresh and beautiful. If I had the opportunity to cook in Milan this market looks to be a terrific resource. In April strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, a certain wrinkly variety of tomatoes, and a small cantaloupe-like melon were in season. Most vendors take cards in addition to cash. The non-food portion of the market runs along a long strip of land btwn the two directions of the Viale Papiniano road. Vendors set up along both sides and there's a fairly narrow corridor running in the middle for customers to walk down. These are mostly clothing and home goods vendors, with a smattering of shoes and accessories, electronics, toys, beauty products, casual jewelry, etc. Almost all products fall into the affordable, priced-for-the-masses category so don't come expecting anything fancy, though it could be an interesting experience digging for some cheap, unique finds.

What a great barrio market! You see, every Italian town/city/village/borough has its own open air…read moremarket, offering from food to clothing. This event takes place twice a week. Streets are closed down, it's just for pedestrians. On Tuesdays, the stands offer mostly fruits and vegetables, fish and poultry and some flowers. Italian street markets are something to visit and preserve like a work of art. Some of the best fish from the Mediterranean are sold here, the best Italian fruits and vegetables, on Saturdays you'll find a food stands selling roast chicken or chicken skewers, nothing fried, no hamburgers or hot dogs, only local street food. These markets are a concentration of good smells, flavors, colors, produce at any price. The quality of fruit and veggies is much higher that what you buy at any supermarket. Local markets are one of the best things in Italy. They should do everything to preserve them. I'm particularly fond of this one, it's my barrio's street market:)