Italy in Photos

Piazza Andrea Doria, 18100 Imperia IM, Italy (August 2020)

Mercato Andrea Doria

The Mercato Andrea Doria in Imperia is one of the most vibrant and authentic places to experience the city’s daily life. Located in the district of Oneglia, near the port and the colourful Calata Giovanni Battista Cuneo, the market is both a practical centre of commerce and a cultural landmark. Named after Andrea Doria, the famous 16th-century admiral from nearby Genoa, the market celebrates Liguria’s maritime traditions while serving as a lively meeting place where residents and visitors encounter the true flavours and atmosphere of the Riviera di Ponente.

The market is housed in an impressive early 20th-century building, designed with large open spaces and high ceilings to accommodate the bustling activity of vendors and customers. Its architecture reflects a mix of functionality and elegance, with arcades and wide entrances that invite passers-by to step inside. Light filters through the windows, illuminating rows of colourful stalls where produce, fish, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties are displayed. The structure itself, solid and practical, has long been a symbol of Oneglia’s commercial energy and remains one of the best-preserved examples of civic architecture from its era.

Inside, the Mercato Andrea Doria is a feast for the senses. The aroma of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, and local olive oil blends with the salty scent of freshly caught fish brought in from the Ligurian Sea. Vendors call out their offers, creating a lively soundtrack of commerce and conversation. Among the highlights are the stalls dedicated to Imperia’s most famous product: extra-virgin olive oil, considered among the finest in Italy. Alongside it, visitors find seasonal vegetables from the hinterland, local wines, focaccia, and traditional sweets, all of which reflect the agricultural and culinary richness of the region.

Beyond its role as a food market, the space functions as a social hub. For locals, it is not only a place to shop but also to meet neighbours, exchange news, and maintain traditions. For visitors, it offers an authentic glimpse of everyday life far from the tourist circuits, allowing them to connect with the rhythms of the community. The market also frequently hosts cultural initiatives, tastings, and events that celebrate Ligurian cuisine and heritage.

Today, the Mercato Andrea Doria remains one of Imperia’s most cherished spaces, embodying the city’s dual identity as a maritime hub and a centre of agricultural excellence. To wander its aisles is to discover the essence of Liguria: vibrant, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition.