Italy’s Must-Visit Antiques Markets
by Adriana ruiz
Explore Italy’s most well-known antique markets. Italy offers abundant opportunities to discover unique and valuable treasures.
Antiques Markets
Mercato di Porta Portese (Rome) is the most famous and largest market in Rome. Located in the picturesque Trastevere district, it has become a Sunday ritual for locals and an essential stop for tourists visiting the capital. The market area extends between Piazza Ippolito Nievo at the top, Via Ettore Rolli on the left, and Via Portuense on the right. Its name comes from the seventeenth-century Porta Portese, built to replace the ancient Porta Portuensis. The market has a rich history, dating back to around 1945, continuing the tradition of the black market that previously took place in the Campo de’ Fiori area.
At Porta Portese, you’ll find an authentic mix of colors, voices, and cultures—a glimpse into the Rome of yesteryears. Over 1,000 stalls offer a wide variety of items, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts and vintage lovers. Here’s what you can discover:
– Antiques and Collectibles: Explore antiquities and modern artifacts, including paintings, books, jewelry, watches, and furniture.
– Vinyl Records and CDs: Music enthusiasts can browse through a selection of vinyl records and CDs.
– Electronics and Accessories: From gadgets to household items, there’s something for everyone.
– Clothes, Bags, and Shoes: Discover a variety of fashion items, from vintage clothing to contemporary styles, along with a range of bags and shoes.
– Unusual Objects: You might stumble upon quirky and unique items.
Porta Portese is open every Sunday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Mercatone dell’Antiquariato in Milan stretches along the first section of the Naviglio Grande, which is the oldest canal in Milan. Specifically, it runs from Viale Gorizia to the Ponte di Via Valenza, covering an impressive route of nearly two kilometers.
The Mercatone dell’Antiquariato is a specialized market primarily focused on antiques. More than 380 exhibitors participate each month, showcasing a wide range of items. You’ll find carefully selected and meticulously curated stalls featuring furniture, watches, porcelain, silverware, jewelry, dolls, games, collectibles, books, eyewear, radios, modern artifacts, canes, bronzes, glassware, comics, and prints.
The market takes place on the last Sunday of every month, except for December when it falls on the second Sunday of the month.
Photo from feelflorence.it
The Mercato delle Pulci (Flea Market) in Florence is a delightful place for antique enthusiasts and collectors. The market recently moved to its new permanent location at Piazza Annigoni. Previously, it was situated in Piazza dei Ciompi.
At the Mercato delle Pulci, you’ll find a variety of items, including:
– Small Antiques: Unique antiques dating back to the early 1900s.
– Vintage Selection: Curated vintage pieces.
– Modern/Antiques: A blend of modern and antique items.
– Second-Hand Books: Stalls with used books.
– Vinyl Records: If you’re a music lover, explore the collection of vinyl records.
The market is open from Monday to Sunday, operating between 09:00 and 19:30. It is closed on December 25th, 26th, and January 1st.
Photo from visitarezzo.com
The Mercato Antiquario di Arezzo (Arezzo Antiques Fair) is a captivating event that has been attracting exhibitors, visitors, and collectors for over 50 years. The heart of the fair lies in the characteristic Piazza Grande in Arezzo. From there, it radiates to other city squares, offering a diverse array of art, furniture, jewelry, accessories, books, scientific and musical instruments, coins, prints, and hundreds of thousands of heterogeneous objects. These items vary in terms of date, origin, and value, catering to various types of collectors.
The fair takes place every first Sunday of the month, along with the preceding Saturday.
Operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.
Photo from dovealucca.it
The Fiera Antiquaria di Lucca is a vibrant and bustling antique market that draws visitors from all over Italy. Although officially established in 1970, the market’s roots trace back to the Medieval period. During that time, nobles sought out rare and authentic pieces to display in their homes. Today, the Fiera Antiquaria has evolved into an informal and popular event, where the atmosphere is filled with the excitement of discovering hidden gems.
It features approximately 220 exhibitors who set up their stalls throughout the historic center of Lucca. These stalls can be found in various locations, including Via del Battistero, Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza San Martino, Piazza San Giusto, Piazza San Giovanni, Corte Bertolini, Via del Duomo, and Piazza Bernardini. Visitors can explore a wide range of fascinating items, from jewelry and collectibles to furniture, vintage toys, and tools.
The market takes place on every third Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Whether you’re an avid collector or simply appreciate the charm of bygone eras, Italy’s antiques markets promise an unforgettable experience filled with historical treasures and unique finds. What other antique markets would you add to this list?
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