The markets of Florence

The historic food markets
There are two historical markets in the city, the central market of San Lorenzo and that of Sant'Ambrogio. They are among the most lively and real places in the life of the centre of Florence, where the charm of the typical atmosphere of the markets is combined with the prestige and historical value of the venues that host them. They were born at the time when Florence was the capital of Italy, built between 1870 and 1874 to replace the Mercato Vecchio, already in the area of what is now Piazza della Repubblica, which was ‘redeveloped’ during that period.

The Central Market of San Lorenzo, whose remarkable 19th century building is easily recognizable, is completely dedicated to food. On the ground floor are the food stalls for retailers, while the first floor, recently renovated, houses shops, restaurants and cafeterias according to a rather innovative concept.

The Sant'Ambrogio Market is located in the lively district of Sant'Ambrogio (next to the homonymous church) that has managed to preserve its identity, opening up to new trends as well.The structure reminds, even if on a small scale, of the Central Market. You can also eat inside this market.

The other markets
Around the buildings of these two food markets there are also numerous stalls selling various products. Particularly touristy is the so-called little market of San Lorenzo. The goods sold at the splendid Loggia del Mercato del Porcellino (or Straw Market), near Piazza Repubblica, are also touristy.
Not to be missed is the Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market), in its new location in Piazza Annigoni, replacing the historic one in Piazza de' Ciompi: it is open every day and on the last Sunday of the month it extends to the surrounding streets with antique stands. The Mercato delle Cascine is traditionally held on Tuesday mornings: an infinite number of stalls (clothing, fruit and vegetables and much more) follow one another for kilometres, parallel to the Arno. Visit the Fierucole ‘rural markets’, held periodically between Piazza Santo Spirito (third Sunday of the month) and Santissima Annunziata, with products made using natural methods.

For lovers of plants and flowers, in addition to the weekly market under the arcades of Piazza Repubblica (Thursdays until 5 p.m.), we would like to point out the large market-exhibition of Plants and Flowers at the Giardino dell'Orticoltura (traditionally from 25 April to 1 May and the first weekend in October). During the Christmas period, the traditional ‘German market’ takes place in Piazza Santa Croce, which includes numerous food stands. In addition, district markets are held daily in all districts of Florence, even the most peripheral ones.
As far as antiques markets are concerned - in addition to the world-famous and emblazoned Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato at Palazzo Corsini - we recommend the local markets in: Piazza Santo Spirito (second Sunday of the month), Piazza Indipendenza (third weekend of the month), Piazza Savonarola (first Sunday of the month).

For lovers of handicraft markets, two major events held annually in Florence are not to be missed, such as the International Handicrafts Trade Fair at the Fortezza da Basso and Artigianato e Palazzo, held in the Garden of Palazzo Corsini