AN Historic Market Florence

Away from the most touristy spots, in the area stretching from Via Pietrapiana to Piazza Beccaria, lies a lively and vibrant neighborhood full of characteristic shops, bars, and restaurants: the Sant’Ambrogio district. The most iconic and famous spot in the area is undoubtedly its Historic Market, a true landmark in Florence for food lovers, where fresh, high-quality products such as meat, fruit, vegetables, and fish can be found.

The History of the Market

The Historic Market of Sant’Ambrogio in Florence is one of the city’s most authentic places. Located just a few steps from the basilica of the same name, it has always been a reference point for those looking for a genuine experience filled with flavors, tradition, and conviviality. Loved by Florentines and discovered by the most curious tourists, it is a place where history and modernity intertwine in a unique atmosphere.

The Architecture of the Market

Built in the second half of the 19th century, the Sant’Ambrogio Market was designed in 1873 by Giuseppe Mengoni, the same architect behind another famous historic market in Florence, the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Its iron and glass structure reflects the modernity of the era, and even today, strolling through its arcades feels like stepping back in time. Here, the relationship between vendors and customers maintains a family-like dimension, making the market special and different from more tourist-oriented locations.

The Market’s Role Today

Although it lost its role as Florence’s general market in 1955, due to the construction of the new fruit and vegetable market in Novoli, the Sant’Ambrogio Historic Market continues to serve as a fundamental point of sale for local residents. Today, it remains the beating heart of the district, bustling with tourists yet still frequented by architecture students, workers, neighborhood residents, and loyal shoppers who wouldn’t miss their chance to buy fresh goods here.

The Products of the Historic Market in Florence

Among its stalls, visitors can find fresh, high-quality products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses. Pecorino in different aging stages, finocchiona, and prosciutto crudo are just some of the must-try delicacies. Those looking for the best of Florentine cuisine can find the perfect cuts for preparing a traditional steak or select organic, locally sourced ingredients.

A Must-Visit Spot in Florence

The Historic Market of Sant’Ambrogio is a must-visit in Florence, offering a genuine glimpse into the city’s everyday life. Here, visitors can soak up the atmosphere of a traditional city market and sample local products.

Opening Hours and How to Visit

The Sant’Ambrogio Market is open from Monday to Saturday, from early morning until noon. It is easily accessible with a short walk from the city center or by public transport. If you want to experience Florence like a local, this is the perfect place to feel part of the city—and maybe even make some new friends.

Tips for Visiting the Market

Visit early when the products are at their freshest, the morning energy is still vibrant, and the atmosphere is at its peak. Stop at the market stalls and observe the many regular customers shopping in a relaxed, friendly environment. Let yourself be immersed in a lively scene of colors and sounds, with Florentines chatting as they look for fresh bread or stylish clothing—because yes, you can find a bit of fashion here too! After grabbing a coffee, explore the square: just a few steps from the market, you’ll find the eclectic Flea Market in Largo Annigoni, where you can browse antiques, prints, jewelry, used books, home items, and much more.

Where to Eat in Sant’Ambrogio

If all the enticing aromas suddenly make you hungry, don’t worry! Sant’Ambrogio is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite. Around the stalls of the Historic Market, there’s a variety of shops and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.

An Authentic Experience

The Sant’Ambrogio Market takes place every morning except on holidays. A stroll through its stalls is a journey into Florentine tradition, filled with authentic flavors and warm encounters. It’s an experience that offers a different perspective on Florence, leaving a lasting impression. More than just a shopping destination, it’s a special corner of the city where history, culture, food, and traditions blend into an unforgettable experience.

Our Apartments in the Area

Visit the Historic Market of Sant’Ambrogio while staying in one of our nearby apartments: Borgo in Color, Virgilio, Dante, Beatrice, L’Antica Concia in Santa Croce, L’Attico di Sant’Ambrogio, La Cicogna, and many more…

Liver Crostini: The Authentic Taste of Tuscany

Liver crostini are a popular recipe typical of all of Tuscany, almost exclusively served as an appetizer. This preparation, somewhere between a ragù and a pâté, is made with chicken livers and may vary slightly depending on the province. The term “black” refers to the dark color of the preparation, in contrast to other crostini typically found in a Tuscan appetizer, such as those with mushrooms, green sauce, or raw sausage.

Origins and Culinary Tradition

This dish, simple yet rich in flavor, has its roots in Tuscany’s humble cuisine, based on readily available ingredients and homemade preparation methods. Although the recipe originated in Arezzo, it has gained significant importance in Florence as well. Cooking liver was a common way to make the most of the less prized parts of animals, transforming them into flavorful and nutritious dishes. Chicken liver was often cooked with onion, wine, and local herbs, resulting in an intense and delicious dish.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Result

To prepare authentic Florentine liver crostini, it is essential to select high-quality ingredients. The chicken liver must be fresh to ensure the best flavor, although some variations use veal or duck liver. Unsalted Tuscan bread is the ideal choice for this recipe, thanks to its firm texture, which allows the liver cream to stand out.

Onions, usually red or golden, are stewed to enhance the liver’s taste, while butter and extra virgin olive oil add smoothness and depth to the dish. Tuscan red wine, such as Chianti, contributes an intense aromatic note, while aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf complete the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation

The secret to perfect popular recipe typical of all of Tuscany, Liver crostini, is cooking the liver so that it remains tender and well-integrated with the other ingredients. The first step is preparing the Tuscan bread, slicing it thickly and toasting it until it is crispy but not too dry. It is often rubbed with a clove of garlic to add an extra layer of flavor.

In a pan, butter and olive oil are heated before adding the liver, which is browned on the outside while keeping it tender inside. The onion is sautéed separately until translucent and fragrant. Once both ingredients are ready, they are combined in the same pan and deglazed with red wine. The alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving only the wine’s deep flavor, which enhances the taste of the liver.

If the preparation appears too dry, a bit of broth can be added to achieve a creamy consistency. Once everything is well blended, the mixture is processed in a blender until smooth and homogeneous. Finally, the liver mixture is spread over warm crostini and, if desired, paired with a glass of good red wine.

Variations and Curiosities

There are several variations of the recipe, depending on local preferences. Some versions include capers, anchovies, or black pepper to intensify the flavor. Florentine liver crostini embody the essence of Tuscan cuisine: a combination of simplicity and rich flavors that tell the story and traditions of the region.

A dish typically served on festive occasions, liver crostini are often prepared when welcoming guests, as they are always irresistible. Although they originate from humble cuisine, today they are considered a symbol of Florentine gastronomy, appreciated by both locals and tourists eager to savor the true essence of Tuscany.

The Bees of Piazza Santissima Annunziata

Piazza Santissima Annunziata is one of the most important and ancient squares in Florence, located in the heart of the city, near the Duomo and Piazza San Marco. The square is dominated by the majestic facade of the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, a masterpiece of Florentine Renaissance architecture designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelozzo. The church is renowned for its architectural perfection and for housing significant works of art. Additionally, the square is home to the famous Ospedale degli Innocenti, another remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, which for 400 years sheltered, cared for, and raised many orphaned or abandoned children.

The History and Symbolism of the Bees

The history of Piazza Santissima Annunziata dates back to ancient times when the area was an important site for public events, religious celebrations, and court ceremonies. It is a symbolic place, closely linked to the history of Florence and the Medici family, who left their mark on many of its buildings. Scattered across the stones of the square, several decorative elements can be found, including sculpted bees, a symbol of the Medici dynasty.

The use of bees as a symbol dates back to Catherine de’ Medici, who adopted them as her personal emblem. Later, her descendants continued to use them. Bees symbolically represent tireless work, diligence, and order—values that the Medici sought to convey through their rule.

The Monument of Ferdinando I de’ Medici

At the center of the square stands the equestrian monument of Ferdinando I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, sculpted by Giambologna and Pietro Tacca in 1608. Ferdinando I was a prominent member of the Medici family, passionate about art, science, and mathematics, and a close friend of Galileo Galilei. According to legend, the Grand Duke requested that Giambologna depict a swarm of bees behind the pedestal, beneath the statue of the horse, with a queen bee at the center, accompanied by the motto “MAJESTATE TANTUM.”

Ponte Vecchio: A Symbol of Florence

Ponte Vecchio is one of the most iconic and fascinating monuments in Florence. It is not only an engineering masterpiece but also a symbol of the city and Florentine culture.

A Bridge Between Two Banks

Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, connects the two banks of the Arno, standing between the two parts of the city that Florentines call ‘diquaddarno’ and ‘diladdarno.’ On one side lies the postcard-perfect historic center with the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, while on the other extends the Oltrarno, one of the most authentic areas of the city, where artisan workshops intertwine with innovative restaurants and hidden gardens.

A History Spanning Seven Centuries

With nearly 700 years of history, Ponte Vecchio has much to tell. From its medieval origins to Renaissance renovations up to the present day, this pedestrian bridge is crossed daily by thousands of people. Likely dating back to Roman times, the original structure was destroyed by a flood of the Arno in 1117 and subsequently rebuilt multiple times. The current appearance dates back to 1345 when it was reconstructed in stone by architect Taddeo Gaddi under the supervision of Florence’s rulers.

The Vasari Corridor: A Secret Passage

In 1565, architect Giorgio Vasari built the “Vasari Corridor” for Cosimo I, an elevated passage connecting Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. This corridor, about 760 meters long, was completed in just five months to allow the Medici family to move safely between their residences without mingling with the crowd. The passage, which crosses the bridge’s shops, represented a significant architectural innovation of the time.

A Commercial Hub Over the River

Over the centuries, the bridge has taken on different functions and hosted various businesses. Originally, the shops were occupied by butchers, fishmongers, and artisans, but in the 15th century, under Medici rule, they were replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers, a tradition that continues to this day. The decision to allocate the bridge to these businesses was made to boost the city’s economy and maintain control over commercial activities.

A Rare Inhabited Bridge

Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, is one of the few “inhabited bridges” still in existence worldwide—bridges that permanently host commercial or residential structures. Its unique architecture is distinguished by three arches, with the central one higher than the others. The structure, built in pietra serena, gives the bridge its characteristic gray color and ensures its stability and durability over time. Constructing the bridge in stone instead of wood allowed it to withstand the Arno’s floods and become a strategic point for trade between the river’s two banks.

The Bridge’s Shops: Between History and Tradition

The shops that adorn the bridge, now mostly occupied by jewelers and artisans, once housed greengrocers and butchers. In the 16th century, city authorities required butchers to move to the bridge to keep the central streets clean and prevent meat waste from being dumped in inhabited areas. With the construction of the Vasari Corridor, butcher shops were deemed inappropriate, and in 1593, they were evicted to make way for goldsmiths, who have since made the bridge famous for Florentine jewelry craftsmanship. To honor this tradition, a fountain featuring the bust of Benvenuto Cellini, the greatest Florentine goldsmith, sculpted by Raffaello Romanelli, was placed in the bridge’s central terrace.

World War II and the Bridge’s Survival

One of the most significant historical events related to Ponte Vecchio was its survival during World War II. In 1944, during the German retreat, all the bridges in Florence were destroyed to slow the Allied advance, but Ponte Vecchio was miraculously spared. The reasons behind this decision are still debated today: some argue that the Germans wanted to preserve such an important city symbol, while others believe that Florentines themselves prevented its destruction.

A Bridge That Withstands Time

Thanks to its resilience, Ponte Vecchio remained intact, and its survival has only increased its symbolic value. After the war, the bridge underwent restorations to repair damaged parts, maintaining its original appearance unchanged.

A Timeless Tourist Attraction

Today, Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, visited by millions of people from around the world every year. Its shops have become a must-visit for lovers of jewelry and high-quality craftsmanship. Walking across Ponte Vecchio means taking a journey through time and immersing oneself in one of the city’s most romantic places.

A National Artistic Heritage

Recognized as a national artistic heritage in 1901 by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Fine Arts, Ponte Vecchio continues to stand as a living testimony to Florence’s history and identity. It is not just a bridge, but a piece of history that still tells the tale of the past and the beauty of a timeless city.