Campo dei Fiori (Rome)

Campo dei Fiori is situated close to the historic centre of Rome and is convenient for both the Jewish Ghetto and vibrant Piazza Navona. It translates roughly as 'field of flowers' and any visit here will concur with dozens of bright flower stalls selling blooms of every description. There is a daily vegetable and fish market held every morning, along with pungent spices and attractive displays of fresh fruit. This is Rome's oldest marketplace and has a typically Italian character with a feverish pace of life, and you can be guaranteed spectacular photo opportunities at every turn. There really is nowhere better to enjoy shopping city breaks in Rome, and you can be assured of the very highest quality foodstuffs and Roman delicacies here.

 

The fresh produce stalls have been joined by souvenir kiosks and traders selling everyday household goods and gifts, however it still retains a traditional and very animated atmosphere. On short breaks in Rome, you should make an early start, as the markets here generally wind down around lunchtime. Even when the feverish commercial activity comes to a close each day, Campo dei Fiori is a captivating place to soak up. It boasts a lovely central baroque fountain and statues and is flanked by numerous colourful pavement cafes and trattoria.  

 

It doesn't quite have the elegance or history of squares such as Piazza Navono, but the haphazard nature of Campo dei Fiori's surrounding architecture only adds to its charm. It becomes a lively gathering place for young locals and tourists keen to sample a slice of Roman cafe culture or to visit the myriad of bars in the area. There is always the chance to pick up a fresh bunch of flowers here whatever the hour during romantic breaks in Rome, and you will find summer evenings filled with the sounds of buskers, pavement artists and young children running wild.