The old Mercati Generali, Ostiense district, Rome, October 2019

This old market was built between 1913 and 1924, serving the people in a busy commercial area of Rome. It was designated as the city’s main industrial district in the 1909 zoning plan, and become the location for a glass factory, Italgas power company, a huge gasometer, a distillery, a sawmill, and much more.

But times move on, much of that industry has now gone, the gasometer is no longer in use, and the large general market was closed in 2004.

There are massive plans to convert the market into a residential and entertainment area, but progress seems to be slow. It has taken 15 years to get this far.

The area is well worth a visit though. It is transitioning into a lively residential area, helped in part by the presence of the University of Roma Tre and its students. It’s a good area for enjoying street art, for eating and drinking, and for a view of both old and new Rome.

Copyright Debbie Smyth,  6 June 2020

Posted as part of Lens-Artists