Mercato Rialto

Today's the day . . . . . . . . . . .  to market

If you want to see the real marketplace of Venice at its best - you have to arrive early at the Mercato Rialto, near the famous bridge of the same name.  

Barges offload fresh fruit and vegetables to be sold in Campo San Giacoma - and fish, crabs and squid at the Pescheria.  By midday, it's all over and the Mercado reverts to the trinket sellers and the omnipresent ceramic carnival masks (see extra).

But as tourist merchandise goes, Venice doesn't do too bad a job.  The famous glassware from the nearby island of Murano is on the whole delightful.  The trick is to find what you're looking for at the best price . . .     .