Of all the famous historical sites and destinations in Philadelphia, the Ninth Street Italian Market in South Philly is the second most visited (only the Liberty Bell attracts more people).The appeal and staying power of what is the country's oldest open-air market is a testament to the neighborhood’s deep Italian heritage.

Although the market was established in the 1880s, immigrants from Italy began settling in the area as far back as the late 1700s, according to Michael DiPilla, a Philadelphia native and author of South Philadelphia's Little Italy and Ninth Street Italian Market.