The wholesale fish markets operating along the small stretch of coastline between Chioggia and the Po Delta are different. The most famous market is located in the city of Chioggia, followed by the markets of Porto Viro, Porto Tolle and Scardovari further south.

The Chioggia wholesale fish market was established in 1960 on the island of construction sites, between the Linzo and San Domenico channels, and is now one of the most important storage, sales and processing centres for fish products in the country.

Initially dedicated solely to marketing local and national fresh produce, it is now a mixed market that also handles imported fish and processed products. Two auctions are held every day for the evaluation and sale of fish products at 03:00 and 15:00, mainly attended by traders and small to medium producers. The silent auction is one of the few traditions that has been preserved over time: after evaluating the quantity and quality of the fish, the auctioneer collects the traders’ whispered bids and announces the winning bid. The fish products then reach their destinations, such as fish shops and more typical coastal centres.

On the Long Canal Vena in Chioggia, the red tent of the retail fish market stands out. It is accessed by crossing the portal in Prisca, which was entirely sculpted by Amleto Sartori. Here, in a lively and characteristic setting, there is an abundance of fresh local fish as well as other seafood products.