San Lorenzo is one of the oldest markets in Florence. The 2 story building was built in Via dell’Ariento in 1874.
The central market used to be where most Florentines bought their food. Modern supermarkets have changed this in recent years……unfortunately. Now that people everywhere are becoming more concerned about where their food comes from and how it is produced, perhaps more people will revert to shopping in wonderful places like this. If you have any interest in food, you must visit the central market. Even if you are just visiting Florence and don’t have a kitchen, go to look at the displays and the range of food and then go home and encourage your town to have a market like this.
The market building is quite impressive, but difficult to see as it is surrounded by the street market stalls filled with every imaginable leather item, scarves and anything else that might remotely appeal to a tourist. Fight your way through to the entrance and find yourself in an Aladin’s cave of food treasures.
I’ll have that one.
Notice how I didn’t get a close up of the tripe stand.
This stand was particularly popular.
You can buy anything you could think of here.
Stop for lunch, or coffee and a snack at one of the cafes. Nerbone has been popular place for lunch since the beginning and offers a great selection at very reasonable prices.
Of course there is an excellent supply of pasta.
Don’t miss the central market if you go to Florence. You will find the market in Via dell’Ariento, not far from the Santa Maria Novella station. It is open Monday – Saturday, 7.00am until 2.00pm. There is a new eating area above the market and it is wonderful. Click here to see the post about it.
Click here to see the biggest food market I have ever seen.