Tuscany's Open-Air Markets

Outdoor markets gather visitors from all over Italy. In addition to being a most unique source of souvenirs, the Tuscan markets are some of the most intriguing in Italy.

Lucca: Piazza San Giusto and surrounding (third weekend of every month). Specializes in furniture, from sturdy peasant fare to elegant pieces made by the French artisans who followed the Napoleon here in the 19th century; but look for antique ceramics, handmade lace and beaten tin implements.

Arezzo: Piazza Grande (first weekend of the month). The crème de la crème of outdoor markets, this one almost resembles an al fresco furniture museum. Worth a visit just to browse, but don't worry, you can also find smaller items that will fit into your suitcase. While you're there, pop into the nearby church of San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca's magnificent frescoes.

Florence: Teatro Tenda/Lungarno Aldo Moro (October 21-22). Every guide book will tell you about the famed Straw Market, that offer Florentines a chance to sell some of their families' antiques.

Prato: Piazza del Comune (Saturday before Easter, September 8 and Christmas Day). Specializing in antique books and linens. Step around the corner and visit the Duomo while you're at it, and roam around the center of this lovely little town.

Porto Santo Stefano: (April 15-17, July 28-29, August 25-26). An interesting feature of this seaside market is the chance to find items and equipment salvaged from sailing boats and cruise ships.

Cortona: Palazzo Casali (third weekend of every month). You'll probably hear as much English as Italian in this wonderful hill town, capital of a region nicknamed Chiantishire.

Pistoia: Via Cigliegiale (every Wednesday and Saturday). A busy market that winds through dozens of streets surrounding the splendid square. Amongst the antiques you'll also find modern kitchen utensils, delightful local cheeses and salami, cheap Chinese blouses and the magnificent architecture of this Tuscan jewel.

How to reach Tuscany and Umbria
The most favored route for people visiting Tuscany is to fly into one of its airports in Pisa, Bologna or Florence.

Highway A22 from north, A1 from north and south of Florence, A4 from northwest, A4 from northeast, A14 from southeast, A12 from southwest. Motor way A1 From North exit Valdichiana; From South exit Orte, Autostrada A14 - From North exit Rimini (towards Città di Castello); Fano (towards Perugia); From South exit Civitanova Marche (towards Foligno/Perugia); exit L'Aquila (towards Terni)

::: How to reach us :::

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Marilou Levangie & Dana Gallant
Vacation Villas & Pedal and Sea Adventures
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