Editing Bella Vista

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Bella Vista
| type = Neighborhood
| location = South Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19147
| named_for = Italian for "beautiful view"
| boundaries = North: Washington Avenue, South: Tasker Street, East: 6th Street, West: Broad Street
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Queen Village]], [[Passyunk Square]], [[Hawthorne]]
| major_streets = 9th Street, Washington Avenue, Broad Street
| transit = Broad Street Line (Ellsworth-Federal Station), Bus Routes
| notable_landmarks = [[Italian Market]], Mario Lanza Park, Palumbo Playground
}}

'''Bella Vista''' is a neighborhood in [[South Philadelphia]] best known as the home of the [[Italian Market]] on 9th Street. The name, Italian for "beautiful view," reflects the neighborhood's Italian-American heritage, though the community has diversified significantly in recent decades. Bella Vista maintains a strong neighborhood identity with local shops, restaurants, and the continued operation of America's oldest outdoor market.<ref name="bvca">{{cite web |url=https://www.bellavistatown.org |title=Bella Vista Town Watch |publisher=Bella Vista Town Watch |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Italian Immigration ===

Bella Vista developed as an Italian-American neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian immigrants established the [[Italian Market]], opened businesses, and built the tight-knit community that defined South Philadelphia's identity.

=== Famous Residents ===

* '''Mario Lanza''' (1921-1959) - Legendary tenor, born in Bella Vista
* Many entertainers, athletes, and community leaders

=== Modern Era ===

While still retaining Italian-American character, Bella Vista has diversified:
* Mexican and Asian businesses on 9th Street
* Young professionals moving in
* Rising property values
* Mix of old and new residents

== Italian Market ==

The '''[[Italian Market]]''' on 9th Street is Bella Vista's centerpiece:

* America's oldest continuous outdoor market (founded 1880s)
* Fresh produce, meats, cheeses
* Italian specialty shops
* Mexican and Asian vendors
* Featured in the film ''Rocky''

The market stretches along 9th Street from Fitzwater to Wharton Streets.

== Mario Lanza Park ==

'''Mario Lanza Park''' honors the neighborhood's most famous son:
* Small urban park
* Bust of Mario Lanza
* Community gathering space
* Named for the legendary tenor

== Character ==

=== Architecture ===

* Philadelphia rowhouses
* Some larger Victorian homes
* Neighborhood-scale commercial buildings
* Italian Market vendor stalls

=== Community ===

* Mix of Italian-American families and newcomers
* Strong neighborhood organizations
* Active civic engagement
* Walkable streets

== Dining ==

Bella Vista offers authentic Italian-American and international dining:

=== Italian ===

* '''Ralph's Italian Restaurant''' - Oldest Italian restaurant in America (1900)
* '''Mr. Martino's Trattoria''' - Neighborhood Italian
* '''Paradiso''' - Italian BYOB

=== Other Cuisines ===

* Mexican restaurants near the market
* Vietnamese and Asian options
* Cafes and bakeries

=== Bakeries ===

* '''Isgro Pastries''' - Italian bakery
* '''Sarcone's Bakery''' - Bread and rolls
* '''Termini Brothers''' - Cannoli and pastries

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Ellsworth-Federal Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 47, 64

=== Walking ===

Walkable from Center City (approximately 15 minutes from Washington Square).

== Living in Bella Vista ==

=== Housing ===

* Philadelphia rowhouses
* Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
* Moderate to high prices
* Some new construction

=== Demographics ===

* Italian-American families (longtime)
* Young professionals (growing)
* Artists and creative professionals
* Mixed incomes

{{FAQ
| q1 = What does Bella Vista mean?
| a1 = Bella Vista is Italian for "beautiful view," reflecting the neighborhood's Italian-American heritage. The name has been used since the late 19th century when Italian immigrants settled in the area.
| q2 = What is the Italian Market?
| a2 = The Italian Market on 9th Street is America's oldest continuous outdoor market, operating since the 1880s. It features fresh produce, meats, cheeses, Italian specialty shops, and Mexican and Asian vendors. The market was featured in the film Rocky.
| q3 = Who was Mario Lanza?
| a3 = Mario Lanza (1921-1959) was a legendary tenor born in Bella Vista who became one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century. Mario Lanza Park in the neighborhood honors his legacy.
| q4 = What are the best bakeries in Bella Vista?
| a4 = Bella Vista is home to iconic Italian bakeries including Isgro Pastries (cannoli and rum cake since 1904), Sarcone's Bakery (bread and rolls), and Termini Brothers (cannoli and pastries).
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Queen Village]]
* [[Passyunk Square]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Bella Vista Philadelphia - Italian Market Neighborhood Guide
|description=Guide to Bella Vista, South Philadelphia's Italian-American neighborhood. Italian Market, Mario Lanza Park, Italian restaurants and bakeries, and community character.
|keywords=Bella Vista Philadelphia, Italian Market neighborhood, South Philadelphia Italian, Mario Lanza Philadelphia, Ralph's Italian Restaurant, Isgro Pastries
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]