Mercato coperto
(20th century)
The indoor market is much more than a simple place of commerce; it is a place where life is permeated by daily routine and a strong sense of belonging. Every day the shouts of the vendors are interspersed with the customers’ chatter, creating a familiar and friendly atmosphere. The vendors’ strong accents echo through the market as they seek the attention of passersby, praising the freshness and quality of their products.
The stalls offer an explosion of colours and flavours: the intense red of ripe tomatoes, the shiny green of seasonal vegetables, golden lemons and juicy oranges shimmer in the soft light. The aroma of freshly-baked bread fills the air, combined with the smell of fresh fish, evoking the memory of family meals and old traditions.
The market came into being in 1911 when Mayor Giuseppe Palombella transformed the old, crumbling church of St. Felix into a public market. This decision was an important turning point for the community, moving the market area from Piazza Costantinopoli to the new indoor market. For decades this was a lively meeting place where people came not only to shop but to exchange news, personal stories and experiences.
In the 1990s, Mayor Francesco Milillo began to restore what was left of the old church of St. Felix to make it into a cultural centre, the current Sala San Felice. This choice forced the town to find a new location for the daily market but the community spirit remained intact and continued its stories and traditions in a new place, where the gentle rhythm of life flows happily.
