Santa Chiara Market, the historic structure is in agony: «Barred stalls and desolation»
Only two shopkeepers remain in the Cagliari building. Confesercenti: «Let's focus on tourists». Restaurants, night events and tastings for the relaunch
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Closed boxes and desolation. The Santa Chiara civic market is yet another monument to indifference. The fish, meat, fruit and vegetable stalls are just a distant memory, barred by black bars that look more like a prison than what for decades was the beating heart of the districts of the historic center. In 2016, when Massimo Zedda was already in charge of the city, the structure was renovated, also creating a restaurant that for many years offered traditional cuisine to Cagliari residents and tourists. Then came darkness, many concessionaires retired, while some decided to focus on more attractive markets. In the building, at the foot of the steps of the same name and the former church, only two traders remain, who do not want to hear of raising the white flag. Indeed, with the collaboration of Confesercenti, they have a plan ready to relaunch the structure.
"Business is not bad, there are tourists, but when they arrive they only find desolation". Enrica Cacceddu, for a few months has staked everything on box number 1. She sells souvenirs and handicrafts and is convinced that the market can be a focal point of the neighborhood available to tourists and Cagliari residents. "The Municipality should reopen the tenders for the concession of the boxes and firmly believe in us. We have reached an agreement with Confesercenti to propose a solution that allows Santa Chiara to be revived". What are you asking for? "First of all, to get out of the old vision of the market. We cannot work with these hours, it would be appropriate if we could also work in the evenings and on holidays, when the city fills up with tourists. It is for their function that it should be open".
"The idea is to restart the market, certainly not to close it," says Carlo Serra, Councilor for Productive Activities. "We are in a stalemate because we have focused our attention on San Benedetto and Is Bingias. Now we must identify a path for the relaunch and follow it, compatible with the times."
Further insights and details in the article by Andrea Artizzu on newsstands today and on the L'Unione Digital app
