Vintage Passion: the fairs dedicated to antiques

Let’s start with Arezzo, a city that has made antiques one of its most recognizable traditions thanks to the famous Antiques Fair, first held in 1968 and considered the oldest event of its kind in Italy.

This market is held every 1ˢᵗ Sunday of the month and the Saturday before, transforming the historic center into a large open-air market. From Piazza Grande, the Vasari Loggias, Piazza San Francesco to the surrounding streets, hundreds of vendors offer furniture, paintings, ceramics, prints, jewelry and collectibles against the picturesque backdrop of the medieval city.

Speaking of historic events, held each year in Cortona from the end of August to the beginning of September, Cortonantiquaria is one of Italy’s longest-running events dedicated to antiques.

Established in 1963, this exhibition and market brings together antique dealers and gallery owners, offering a journey through period furniture, works of art, sculptures, paintings and fine objects.

An event that combines a passion for collecting with the discovery of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage.

In Montepulciano, too, enthusiasts of antiques and collecting have their regular event: the Monthly Arts and Antiques Fair.
This market takes place on the 2ⁿᵈ weekend of every month, on Saturday and Sunday, in the Poggiofanti Gardens, after having previously been held in the picturesque setting of Piazza Grande. Among the stalls, you can find vintage items, curious goods, collectibles and antiques. A chance to browse the stalls and combine a visit to the market with exploring Montepulciano and its historic center.

Among Tuscany’s historic events is the Antiques Market in Lucca, considered the 2ⁿᵈ-oldest antiques fair in Italy.

Every 3ʳᵈ Sunday of the month and the Saturday before it, the historic district hosts about 220 vendors, attracting collectors, enthusiasts and the merely curious.

The market winds its way through Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza San Giusto, Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Bernardini, Piazza San Martino and Via del Battistero, where you can browse through antique furniture, prints, fabrics, books, ceramics and vintage items.

An opportunity to hunt for one-of-a-kind items and, at the same time, discover the city’s most charming spaces.

Pistoia likewise has a long tradition of collecting and antiques, with a market that has been held since 1980. The Antiques Market is held generally on the 2ⁿᵈ Sunday of each month and the preceding Saturday, skipping July and August, in the exhibition space of La Cattedrale on Via Sandro Pertini. In months with 5 Sundays, a special edition in the historic center is scheduled for the 4ᵗʰ Sunday of the month.

With furniture, home decor, prints, books, ceramics and unique items from the past, the market offers a chance to rediscover objects steeped in history.

For any changes to the schedule or venue, we recommend checking the official announcements from the Municipality of Pistoia.

Finally, we come to Florence, where a passion for vintage items and antiques is celebrated at numerous events, from neighborhood flea markets to specialized fairs.

In Piazza Annigoni, in the historic Sant’Ambrogio district, you’ll find the Flea Market, a must-visit destination for anyone who loves browsing through used books, records, jewelry, antiques, modern collectibles and handmade crafts.

Among the regular events, the Oltrarno Arts and Crafts Market is worth noting. Piazza Santo Spirito bustles with stalls featuring handicrafts and vintage items, as part of the city’s calendar of events.

Also not to be missed is Indipendenza Antiquaria, held in Piazza Indipendenza every 3ʳᵈ Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday, with a break in July and August. An event that attracts exhibitors from all over Italy with the furniture, collectibles, porcelain, prints and vintage items peddled here.

For those who love vintage fashion and design, Florence then hosts Vintage Selection, an event organized by Pitti Immagine and dedicated to high-quality vintage clothing, accessories and other items. The dates, locations and admission procedures vary according to the official calendar.

Rounding out the city’s market scene is Savonarola Antiquaria, dedicated to antiques and small collectibles, that animates Piazza Savonarola each 1ˢᵗ Sunday of the month (except July and August).

For the latest schedules of events in Florence, visit the official tourism portal FeelFlorence.