Mercato Ritrovato

Mercato Ritrovato is a farmers' and producers' market held in the courtyard of the Cineteca di Bologna, in the Manifattura delle Arti district at Via Azzo Gardino 65, in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It differs from general shopping and from the city's covered food halls because the sellers are the producers themselves, offering cheese, vegetables, fruit, bread, cured meats, honey, wine and other food and drink from the surrounding region. The ratio of authentic goods to tourist trinkets is very high, since the market is aimed at residents who want local, seasonal food rather than souvenirs. Prices are fixed and reflect small-scale production, so they are higher than supermarket prices; bargaining is not part of the culture and would be considered impolite. Cash is the safest option, although many producers now accept cards. Tax-refund rules for non-EU visitors do not normally apply, since purchases are small and made directly from farm producers. The layout is a set of stalls arranged around the courtyard of the Cineteca, with produce and bread stalls in one area and prepared food and drinks in another. The atmosphere is relaxed and family oriented, with residents shopping, eating and chatting, and visitors often combine the market with a film or exhibition at the Cineteca. Hot food and drink are available on site from several stalls, making it easy to have breakfast or lunch there. Hours are reported as Saturday from about 9AM to 2PM between September and May, with a summer evening market on a weekday, but sources differ, so visitors should check the market's own social media page before going. The site is slightly outside the historic centre, near the Bolognina district, and can be reached on foot from the railway station in around fifteen to twenty minutes.