Ver-o-Peso Market, Largest open-air market in Latin America in Belém, Brazil
Ver-o-Peso Market is a large marketplace sprawling along Guajará Bay in Belém, consisting of multiple sections that operate daily with thousands of visitors. The stalls display fresh fish, tropical fruits, spices, handicrafts, and regional products sourced from the Amazon region.
The market's name originated in colonial times when Portuguese officials weighed goods at this location for tax collection, establishing its role as a trading hub. This inspecting and commerce tradition shaped its development into a major center for regional Amazon trade.
Local vendors sell traditional medicinal herbs, regional fruits like cupuaçu and bacuri, and fresh açaí that reflect authentic Amazonian food culture. Walking through the stalls, you can observe how residents shop for everyday ingredients and discover plants used in local home remedies.
The market opens early in the morning when boats arrive with fresh fish and the best selection is available. You'll have the best experience visiting early, as the selection decreases and the crowd changes as the day progresses.
The fish market building was imported from Scotland in 1901 and features four distinctive turrets marking the waterfront location. This Victorian iron structure is an unexpected architectural detail at this tropical location and regularly catches the attention of architecture enthusiasts.
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