Saturday Market In Bellinzona

On Saturday mornings the old centre of Bellinzona turns into an open-air market, and the best way to enjoy it is to treat it as a morning outing with a loose plan, not a shopping task. The market fills the main squares and streets of the historic quarter, with stalls running from the area around Piazza Nosetto and Piazza Collegiata along the pedestrian lanes nearby. It has been a fixture of the town for a long time, and it is regarded as one of the better markets in Ticino, in part because it is still used by local people for their weekly shopping, as well as by visitors.

A sensible approach is to arrive early, since the best produce is gone by late morning and the crowds build up by ten or eleven. Begin with a coffee at one of the cafés on the squares, which are open from early morning, and then walk the market in one direction, looking at everything before buying anything. The stalls reflect the mixed culture of a town in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, with Lombard influence and Alpine produce side by side. You can expect fruit and vegetables from the valleys of the canton, including cherries, peaches, figs and tomatoes in summer and chestnuts and mushrooms in autumn, along with cheeses from Alpine dairies, cured meats and sausages, fresh bread, honey and preserves.

Traditional foods of Ticino are worth seeking out. Cheeses made in the mountain pastures are sold in wedges and wheels, and vendors often give small samples. Salami and air-dried meats are made in the villages of the region, and the local sausage called luganighe is a staple, usually grilled or cooked in risotto. Polenta, the cornmeal porridge that is the basis of many regional dishes, is sold as flour of different grinds, and rice for risotto is easy to find as well. Merlot, the red wine of the canton, is available from small producers. For picnics and gifts, jars of chestnut honey, jam and dried fruit travel well.

Beyond food, the market includes stalls for flowers, plants, clothing, household goods and handicrafts, so it has something for most people. Prices are generally reasonable, particularly for fruit and vegetables, and haggling is not customary. Cash is useful, though many stallholders accept cards. Bring a reusable bag and be prepared to carry your purchases, since the old town is a pedestrian area.

The market is also a good starting point for a day in Bellinzona. After shopping you can have lunch at one of the restaurants around the squares, many of which offer set menus using market produce, and then walk up to Castelgrande for the views, or visit the smaller castles above the town. A smaller market takes place on some other days of the week, but Saturday is the main event.

Entry is free, and the market suits food lovers, families and photographers. The market runs through the morning and ends around lunchtime, so plan your visit accordingly, and note that the schedule may change on public holidays or during special events. Trains from Zürich, Lugano and Milan reach Bellinzona's station, which is a short walk from the old town, so no car is needed.