San Lorenzo Market in Florence
Right in the center of Florence, near the Basilica with the same name, runs through the streets the San Lorenzo market. Founded in the late nineteenth century, this market is one of the most important in the city, due to its vicinity to the church of Santa Maria del Fiore and the city center. The market is particularly renowned for leather goods and bags, which are one of the most characteristic products of Florence and the region, and in the production of which Tuscan people truly excel.
The San Lorenzo market is closed on Sundays and Mondays; during the rest of the week is open and full of all kinds of handbags, wallets, belts, jackets and leather shoes made in Tuscany. All products are on sale at excellent prices and suit all tastes.
In Florence there are also many other markets, such as the Market of the Pulci, the one named “of the Cascine“, the Central Market and the New Market. The Central Market is a red building at the center of San Lorenzo Market and is the main hub for trading fruit and vegetables; however, here you can buy also other local products, such as truffles, widely used in Florence, Tuscan pecorino , artichokes Empoli, breads, such as the “Schiacciata”, cakes with crushed grapes and castagnacci. Here you can also taste a glass of wine from the region, such as the Morellino di Scansano, the Chianti or the Brunello of Montalcino. Also on sale, are the typical Chianina’ steaks, which you can buy under vacuum and cook at home.
You can not miss the opportunity to visit the San Lorenzo Basilica, which is one of the oldest in the city, and is very close to the San Lorenzo market. The church has been decorated, among others, by the great Michelangelo and Donatello. There are many works by Donatello, like two bronze pulpits and the marble sarcophagus of the Martelli family from Florence.
Around the San Lorenzo market, there are also numerous restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy a good Florentine (a big steak), the lamprey (a dish made of the offal of beef or veal) or Ribollita (vegetable soup), such as Osteria da Nerbone or the restaurant Fonticine, or the classic tripe carts where you can enjoy a sandwich before continuing the tour!
If you would like to take this opportunity to make your Christmas shopping in Florence and in the San Lorenzo market, do not hesitate to contact us for a quote!