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."

"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. "

"Located past the Church of Santa Croce, this market is still used by the locals. It's a great neighborhood as well. This is on the far side of the city, but an easy walk. There is an outside part of the market, with some clothing, flowers and house things and inside is all food. Being nearby to the Synagogue, there is also a Kosher Butcher inside. There is a small trattoria, Rocco and now you can also eat above one of the Butcher's shops, Luca Mennoni. "