Mercato Nuovo Market - Mercato Porcellino

The Mercato Nuovo indoor market, in the most historic center of Florence, was built in 1547 and little has changed since then. Tourists consider trinkets, mainly leather bracelets and bags, original souvenirs, locals with interest discuss the latest news, everywhere there is noise and fun.

Previously, the market was not always fun, because in its center there is still a marble slab – the Stone of Shame, on which dishonest bankers and merchants were punished. During the wars, there was a wagon on the plate, which symbolized the arrival of severe trials for the country. Long ago, the market also hosted an annual parade of Republican troops.

Mercato Nuovo is also called the pig market, because under one of its arches, in the fountain, you can see a bronze statue of a boar, which the Florentines lovingly call Porcellino. If you rub it and throw a coin in your mouth, your wish will come true!