Pignasecca Market, Naples

Italian markets are often vibrant places to visit and the Pignasecca market that runs off Piazza Carita on Via Toledo in Naples is a prime example. 

It's invariably bustling with shoppers and tourists.

John and I have gone back four times.

 The cheese shops are laden with local produce and pastas.

The fruit and vegetable stands deliver fresh produce to the local restaurants

and household shoppers will find great, fresh, ingredients.

 Napoli is famous for its fish

 and Alfredo's is a perfect example of the variety available. We loved this lady in command of her offerings

and this butcher assessing his catch.

Across the street the fishmongers of Pescheria Azzurra 

 prepare cuts for their customers.

 Fresh Spada - a favourite of ours.

Anchovies 

and clams

await Neapolitan cooks.

All are beautifully displayed.

 At Pescheria Azzurra don't pass up the opportunity to devour a cup of mixed fried fish!

 We got fresh calamari, shrimp, anchovies and octopus on the run. Hungry yet?

More challenging to the North American diner may be the tripe shops 

but residents of the Mediterranean love them.

This attractive delicatessen offers a wide variety of produce for the kitchen from wine to cold cuts 

and there are lots of bars to provide a yummy pastry with the shoppers morning espresso. 

 Of course there are shops of all sorts -- toys, clothing, linens, housewares and hardwares.

We dare you to visit the Pignasecca without falling prey to some wonderful purchase!