The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo is a market pavilion in Florence, Italy. It is so called because of the bronze sculpture of a wild boar found at its centre, which attracts rubs from visitors for good luck. The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo was built around the sixteenth-century as a market structure to house stalls for silk and luxury goods.
The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, popularly known as the Porcellino, is a covered market in Florence, Italy. The market was originally built to house silk stalls and luxury goods, but now it is mostly used as a meeting place and for tourist shopping. The central well is a replica of a Roman bronze sculpture of a wild boar. Popular tradition has it that rubbing the nose brings fortune, so over time, the statue has gained a certain shine in that locale.
Today, the Loggia is home to a variety of shops and vendors selling everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion. Despite being an unconventional spot with tourists, the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo is still an active marketplace. Every day, Florentine merchants set up shop in the Loggia to sell their goods. If you're looking for a truly authentic Florentine experience, take some time to browse the wares at the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo.
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• Be sure to Rub the snout of the Porcellino for good luck. The Porcellino, or “little pig,” is a bronze statue that resides in the portico of the loggia, and it has become a symbol of the city. If you rub the snout of the pig, it is said to bring good luck.
• Shop your heart out as it houses a number of high-end shops selling everything from jewellery to leather goods.
• The open-air arcade surrounding the central courtyard is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
• The loggia is located in the historic centre of Florence, so there’s plenty to see and do in the vicinity. Take some time to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city.
• If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Monday morning, head over to nearby San Lorenzo market for an authentic Florentine shopping experience.
Here are some of the best attraction tickets and activities in Florence that you can book via Thrillophilia:
Here are some of the best attraction tickets and activities in Italy you can book via Thrillophilia: