Trade at the historic open air food market in Piazza Testaccio ceased on 9 June, ahead of the market’s move on 13 June to modern premises located between nearby Via Alessandro Volta, Via Galvani, Via Ghiberti and Via Beniamino Franklin. Incorporating a total area of 5,000 sqm, the new covered market will be open on all four sides and will have room for over 100 traders, with almost 300 parking spaces. It had originally been due to open in January, before being postponed until March, then April, then late May. The city confirmed this week that the new structure would become operational on 13 June and would be inaugurated by the mayor Gianni Alemanno towards the end of the month. Understandably, some vendors remain sceptical about the latest opening date and have suggested that it may be postponed to September due to reported teething problems with the market’s ventilation system. Those in favour of the move cite improved hygiene and modern services however those against claim the new market will encourage increased use of private vehicles as, although not a million miles away, the area is not as well served by public transport. The old market in Piazza Testaccio had been in operation since the 1920s.

Also see: "Rome’s old Testaccio market demolished"