Antiques And Vintage Markets In Tuscany

[Gala Placidia]

We love to go to those markets and we particularly enjoy the Lucca one on the third Sunday of each month. We did not find the Florence one on the fourth Sunday as interesting as we thought it was going to be and we were unable to find the one which is held at Scandicci although it was described in a glossy Italian magazine.
We have never been to the Arezzo market which was recommended by a friend and I think it is held on the first Sunday of the month. As we intend to be in Tuscany for a couple of weeks at the end of November - beginning of December, we were wondering whether it may be worth a look.
Does anyone have any more details about this type of markets held in the area?
All information will be greatly appreciated.

[Aretina]

Hi Dixi

We live 10 mins. from Arezzo and regularly visit the antiques fair. Held as you say on the first Sunday of every month and the Saturday immediately before. So,,, for a month which starts on Sunday then it is also on the last day of the preceeding month.

For Dec.07 Sunday 2nd and Saturday 1st.

Many of our guests come at the beginning of the month especially to catch the fair.

December should be a good time to visit because many of the regular traders(who travel from across italy) and the specialist antique shops will be open: a) it's not August and b)
the market isn't reduced because of the September giostra.

They have in recent months tried to separate the newer/tat from the 'good stuff'.So all around the 'old town' for the better pieces and nearer to Piazza Guido Monaco for repro. jewellry et al. Still possible to find something good but its a great day out and the probability of a very good lunch!!

Previously found lovely credenza, gorgeous little 'milking stool/chair which is perfect in one of my cottages, a little library chair/steps and more recently although not very very old (only 100 years+) a fantastic american desk chair which complements our desk perfectly. Still with authentic label which dates it. Any many other pieces. You can haggle a bit but now they have to give receipts there is 'less room' for price movement. Without a scontrino and you could find your shoulder tapped by the Guardia di Finanza.

If you want any recommendations just get back.
Aretina

[Gala Placidia]

Thank you very much for the information, Aretina. It confirms what we were told, but I was not sure of the dates. So we will try to get there.
I understand what you said about the "scontrino" as we were there when all this campaign started and the storekeepers used to run after me insisting that I must take that piece of paper....
Bad news if you want to get discounted prices, as you say.....
Best regards,

Gala Placidia

[Romano]

If you haven't already been, what about the "Cercantico" in La Spezia? Held on the first Sunday of the month, at the market hall in the old town. We were there in October, very busy (though doubt its anywhere near as big as Arezzo) but a good mix of antiques, bric-a-brac and memorabilia.

Ciao, Tony and Helen

[bernard]

The weekly market in sarzana is great. I think it's on thursdays... Definately worth a look.

[Noble]

I bought, in England, a slim book called The Antique & Flea Markets of Italy by Marina Seveso ISBN 1-892145-18-9 pub by Little Bookroom NY. Whilst such books can go out of date quickly this one still seems to hold good and gives contact phone nos. eg. First Sunday of the month. Pietrasanta (Lucca). Highlights of this market inc. furniture, marble & wood sculpture. Held in Piazza Duomo with 70 merchants Tel o58391991