In the historic center of Pisa, this piazza has a very characteristic name that sums up its primary function—Piazza delle Vettovaglie literally means "Supply Square". Every morning it becomes a local market where residents can stock up on their fruit, vegetables and other food products. Surrounded on all sides by porticos, the piazza boasts cafes, wine shops, butchers, fish-sellers, bakeries and spice shops.

It was built during the Medici rule in the 16th century and was created following the decision to use the ancient Piazza del Grano as the headquarters of the University of Pisa. In 1494, the Opera del Duomo, which had the right to grain sales, bought the buildings in this area which was being used in the pig trade at the time. The Opera demolished some buildings and built others, such as the portico that surrounds the entire piazza, turning it into an irregular square with a double loggia and arches that bring to mind the Florentine architecture of Filippo Brunelleschi.