20 August 2026
Florence
“Oh off to the country fair and then back home happy!”. In Florentine the hard ‘c’ sounds like an ‘h’, so back home happy (‘a casa contenti’) sounds like “a hasa hontenti”. In fact it is impossible to render the Florentine aspirate sound just with an ‘h’. It would require a whole new set of phonetics to do justice to the attractive Florentine accent. All Italians know the famous sentence about the famous drink with a short straw used to showcase the Tuscan accent. This is the “Tuscan gorgia”, or throat, a way of speaking that aspirates or doubles the ‘c’, and is an indispensable part of being Florentine. Today we want to make you feel Tuscan, and to experience the city as a resident rather than a tourist. And the best way to do that is to tour the markets, the “fierucole”, or ‘country fairs as we call them, in the squares and districts of the city.
Palazzo Castri is the perfect starting point and base for organising a “fierucola tour”, perhaps on Saturday or Sunday. It is just a short walk of about ten minutes from the main squares of Florence, including the Duomo. Here you will see markets that you will enjoy both as a tourist and as an honorary resident of Florence. Street life, including markets, is a great way to get to know the city.
Pocket guide to the Sunday markets
What are the country fairs or “Fierucole”? The word is based on the word “Fair”, meaning a place where local produce is displayed and sold. In the middle ages they were held at the end of the harvest or annually for bartering livestock. Over time they have become more frequent and are held throughout the year, no longer seasonal events, but small country markets for farmers and craftsmen to sell their wares. Today they are traditional country and craft fairs almost deserving of a Protected Origin Designation, normally held every third Sunday of the month in Piazza SS. Annunziata in the autumn. They offer a vast selection of natural or handmade produce. Products must be simple, original and inspired by local agricultural and craft traditions in order to be admitted to the country fairs.
A list of the autumn country fairs
- 4-5 SEPTEMBER– SS. Annunziata BREAD FAIR
- 2-3 OCTOBER– SS. Annunziata POTTERY FAIR
- 6-7 NOVEMBER – SS. Annunziata SAN MARTINO WOOL FAIR
- 8 DECEMBER– SS. Annunziata IMMACOLATA FAIR
Autumn fairs are normally dedicated to organic produce, and you will find jams, olive oil, honey, fruit preserves, fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and skincare products. Often there are also workshops and courses on nutrition. In accordance with Covid regulations and Government Decrees, we recommend you check the Florence City Council website fairs and markets section for the latest news: https://www.comune.fi.it/coronavirus
The Flea Market is back!
Anyone who travels to major cities worldwide will be aware that clothing and antique markets are back in vogue. They may have changed slightly, but they are still dedicated to lovers of unique items or vintage clothes. Consumer time travel machines that take us back to an age with which we have a connection somehow. It is a nice idea to take a stroll around the city centre and take in the good old flea market, with its lingering incense unchanged since the 1970s. The flea market is also open during the week. Check the following link for opening hours and information: https://www.ilturista.info/blog/13893-Il_Mercato_delle_Pulci_a_Firenze/
You could see who can buy the most kitsch item from the market, or look for something unique that you were unable to afford at the time, or which reminds you of your childhood. You will certainly have the chance to have the most exciting shopping experience and perhaps even grab a bargain. An unmissable opportunity for collectors and aspiring collectors, a chance to remember how we were through items and fashions.
Previously in Piazza dei Ciompi, since 2019 the flea market has been located in a building in Via Annigoni not far from the traditional market of Sant’Ambrogio. After a tour of the markets our wellness facilities will be even more welcome and provide you with a welcome energy boost, so you are ready to end your day with a fine dinner at Palazzo Castri.
Experience Florence by touring its country markets and fairs. Book through us and take a unique atmosphere home with you rather than just a memory.
