The Rialto Market has been the commercial heart of Venice for centuries. Although it was established after Polo’s time, the market reflects the bustling commercial environment that Polo’s travels helped to create. Wandering around the market stalls, one can imagine the kinds of exotic goods Polo may have brought with him, influencing Venetian cuisine and culture.
Legend has it that one of the most significant contributions of Marco Polo’s travels was the introduction of pasta and various spices to Venice. Although this story is still debated today, his travels undoubtedly played an essential role in the introduction and spread of various spices and culinary practices in Europe. A visit to a traditional Venetian restaurant or the Rialto Market, where these ingredients can be found, offers a direct culinary connection to the legacy of Marco Polo’s travels.
