Sant'Ambrogio Market

"Giuseppe Poggi's urban planning projects envisaged, after the destruction of the Mercato Vecchio, the creation of three more modern retail centres in as many areas of the historic centre: the Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo, the Sant'Ambrogio market and a never-realised San Frediano market. The Sant'Ambrogio market was to have incorporated the activities of the market in Piazza di San Pier Maggiore. Taking advantage of the secularised area of ​​the "Ortone" formerly owned by the nuns of Santa Verdiana, a square was designed, Piazza Ghiberti, in the centre of which a cast iron and glass market building was built by Giuseppe Mengoni, also the designer of the Mercato Centrale, although here a much smaller scale was used. The market was inaugurated in 1873. Perhaps a design that underestimated the needs of the district, more space was then needed, which was resolved by creating a series of four shelters around the main structure, certainly devoid of any aesthetic design, used outside of market hours as parking. Although it lost its role as a general market in 1955 due to the construction of the new fruit and vegetable market in the Novoli area, the pavilion continues to play a fundamental role in sales (and not only of fruit and vegetables) for the population living in the area. A restructuring and especially consolidation intervention dates back to 1984, which was necessary due to the evidence of serious damage to the metal structures and some fractures in the cast iron columns, so much so as to raise concerns about the safety of the building."

"Explore one of Florence's liveliest and most authentic historical markets. Take a stroll and check out the various booths and stands to find some delicious treats. For example: - Macelleria Luca Menoni for fresh meat, they also have a little dining area above the shop; - Il Cernacchino di Giuliana for Tuscan specialty products to take home as gifts (they also ship); - Stefano's unnamed cheese and cured meats booth on the South-East corner (in front of the fishmongers). On the outside of the market you'll find fabulous fruit and vegetable stands where you'll always find the best of what's in season. Outside, on the South-facing end, there's also a section for used clothes from 3€ up, vintage clothes, and some pretty neat antiques as well. So far this is as close as Florence has gotten to the concept of thrift shops, which don't really exist here (while vintage stores do). Sant'Ambrogio market was recently featured on Stanley Tucci's show "Searching For Italy". The market is currently undergoing renovation, so some of the stands have been moved to nearby Largo Annigoni square. Some history: the Sant'Ambrogio covered market was created by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1873, around the same time when the Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo was built, as part of a project to nobilitate Florence during the 6 years it was capital of the newly born nation of Italy, before moving the capital to Rome. "

"When I lived in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, I visited this market almost every single day. It is currently under construction, but you can still visit parts of the indoors and outdoors areas. Inside you will find vendors offering everything from meats and cheeses to fully prepared traditional Tuscan meals. Outside you will find some of the best fresh produce in the world, so be sure to come here if you’re in need of fruits and vegetables. Most vendors will take credit cards, but cash is often preferred, especially for small purchases. "