This market in Rome is normally packed at this time of year, with people replenishing their supplies after Christmas and New Year.
But with Italians already feeling the effect of rising prices as part of the country's austerity measures, today it is all but deserted.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) PENSIONER ANTONIO ZUCCHI SAYING:
"I see things are in a very bad state, they can't get any worse. The market is empty, shops are empty, people just don't have any money."
Italy is at the heart of the euro zone debt crisis, and the new government headed by Mario Monti has laid out a 33-billion-dollar austerity package to get the country's 1.8 trillion euros of debt under control.
The measures include higher petrol prices, increased sales and property taxes, and cuts in pensions.
This man says he may have to close his fruit and vegetable stall, and that even working a ten hour day barely earns enough money for one person.
Its the same story across most of the stalls.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) CHEESE AND MEAT STALL HOLDER, CINZIA NICOLANTI SAYING:
"I hope we can put an end to the year we had last year, but I have my doubts. People have done all their sums and they are terrified."
Petrol prices have reached record highs, and are now the highest in Europe at around one euro 74 cents per litre.
Three of the biggest trade unions estimate that 30-40,000 jobs could be lost this year, and have warned of strike action.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
