Loggia del Mercato Nuovo Porcellino
A 16th-century loggia housing a bustling market, famous for its bronze boar fountain and leather goods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Loggia del Mercato Nuovo Porcellino
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century loggia housing a bustling market, famous for its bronze boar fountain and leather goods.
"Rub the boar's snout for luck and explore a vibrant market filled with leather treasures."
Authentic Leather Shopping
Look for real leather and compare prices. Some vendors offer great explanations of their craft.
Boar's Lucky Coin Toss
Rub the snout, drop a coin from its mouth. If it lands in the grate, you'll have luck!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bronze Boar Fountain
Center of the Loggia
Rub the boar's snout for luck and drop a coin from its mouth into the grate below for a chance at good fortune.

Leather Goods Market
Loggia stalls
Discover a wide array of leather bags, belts, and wallets. Look for quality and be prepared to haggle.

Loggia Architecture
The building itself
Admire the 16th-century architecture, originally designed for silk and precious goods trade.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Porcellino Market
The Porcellino's Lucky Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Authentic Leather Shopping
Look for real leather and compare prices. Some vendors offer great explanations of their craft.
Boar's Lucky Coin Toss
Rub the snout, drop a coin from its mouth. If it lands in the grate, you'll have luck!
Beware of Pickpockets
This busy spot is a target for petty theft. Keep your valuables secure.
Explore Beyond the Stalls
Consider visiting the attic space for a unique historical perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
Authentic Leather Shopping
Look for real leather and compare prices. Some vendors offer great explanations of their craft.
Boar's Lucky Coin Toss
Rub the snout, drop a coin from its mouth. If it lands in the grate, you'll have luck!
Beware of Pickpockets
This busy spot is a target for petty theft. Keep your valuables secure.
Explore Beyond the Stalls
Consider visiting the attic space for a unique historical perspective.
Local Market Finds
Seek out smaller, local markets for potentially better prices than main tourist spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo a delightful and historic spot, particularly for its iconic bronze boar fountain and the tradition of good luck. The leather market offers a wide array of goods, though shoppers are advised to be discerning about quality and pricing. The architecture itself is also appreciated.
"I think it’s a cool experience to visit the small statue there. From what I understood, you rub a coin on the outside of its mouth, then let it slide down its tongue, aiming for it to land in the lines below. Just be careful—there are people around who try to steal the coins, so make sure yours goes all the way inside.
Aside from that, the area offers a wide variety of leather goods, including bags, belts, and wallets. Be sure to check that it’s real leather to avoid getting scammed.
Lastly, I bought a bag from @famiglia Meucci, and they were amazing! They took the time to explain the entire process in detail. I’m leaving their Instagram here in case you want to check them out or get in touch."
paula pietra santa
"A very busy place with tight aisles. Great to shop for leather and to people watch. Don't forget to rub the nose of the boar and drop a coin from his mouth into the coin catcher. It is silly but fun and you will see lots of people doing it. My wife and daughter both made purchases there so I guess the boar didn't help me."
Joe In the US.
"Delightful Building!
I really liked this architecture for a tiny market! This was really a discovery and I personally really enjoyed visiting this place!"
Paul Vivas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, also known as the Porcellino market, is centrally located in Florence, Italy. It's easily accessible on foot from most major attractions like the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio. If you're arriving by public transport, look for bus stops near Piazza della Signoria.
Parking in Florence's historic center is challenging and often restricted. It's best to use public transport or walk. The closest parking garages are often a significant walk away, so consider this if you're driving into the city.
Yes, taxis can drop you off near the market. However, be aware that many central areas of Florence are pedestrian-only, so the taxi will likely drop you at the nearest accessible point.
From Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station, it's about a 15-20 minute walk to the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo. Alternatively, you can take a local bus towards the city center.
The main market area is relatively flat, but the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Accessing the stalls might be tight due to crowds. The boar fountain area is generally accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo and seeing the Porcellino fountain is free. It's an open-air market and a public space.
The market stalls typically operate during daytime hours, generally from morning until early evening. Hours can vary by vendor and season, but it's usually open daily.
There is no entrance fee to see or interact with the Fontana del Porcellino. The tradition of rubbing its snout and tossing a coin is free to participate in.
Many Florence walking tours and market tours include a stop at the Mercato Nuovo and the Porcellino. Booking a guided tour can provide historical context and shopping tips.
While generally open, major holidays or local events might affect market hours. It's always a good idea to check local listings if you're visiting during a significant period.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
The market is famous for its leather goods, including bags, wallets, belts, and jackets. You can also find silk scarves, ceramics, and other typical Italian souvenirs.
Look for the smell of real leather, check for consistent grain, and feel the texture. Ask vendors about the origin and tanning process. Redditors advise being cautious and comparing prices to avoid being overcharged.
Yes, haggling is generally expected at the market, especially for leather goods. Start with a lower offer and be polite but firm.
While specific vendor recommendations can change, some reviews mention positive experiences with vendors who explain their craft. It's worth exploring and comparing options.
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience. Late afternoons can also be good as some day-trippers depart.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic bronze boar fountain is a prime photo spot. Capture the bustling market stalls, the loggia's architecture, and people participating in the coin tradition.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography. The golden hour can create beautiful shots of the loggia.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of vendors and shoppers, and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their merchandise.
Use a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to isolate subjects, and consider a slightly higher ISO for low-light conditions. A fast shutter speed can help freeze motion in the busy market.
If you have the opportunity to visit the attic space (as mentioned in some reels), photography might be permitted, but it's best to confirm with your guide or the staff present.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Porcellino
While the boar is the star attraction for many, the Loggia itself has a rich history. Erected in the mid-16th century by Cosimo I de' Medici, it was originally intended as a covered market for luxury goods, particularly silk and precious items. The architecture, with its arches and vaulted ceilings, reflects its historical purpose as a vibrant commercial center.
Interestingly, some reels highlight a lesser-known aspect: the possibility of visiting the attic space above the Loggia. This area, once used for textile processing, offers a unique perspective on the building's structure and history, providing a glimpse into its past beyond the bustling market floor. Access might require special arrangements, often facilitated by the leather vendors themselves.
Navigating the Leather Market
When shopping for leather, pay attention to the material's smell, texture, and grain. Ask vendors about the tanning process and the origin of the leather. While some vendors are transparent and proud of their craftsmanship, others may try to pass off lower-quality imitations. Comparing prices across different stalls is highly recommended, and don't be afraid to haggle. Many travelers find that polite negotiation can lead to better deals. Some reviews even mention specific vendors, like @famiglia Meucci, for their helpfulness and quality products.
Beyond the main leather offerings, you might also find silk scarves and other artisanal products. While the market is a fantastic place to find souvenirs, Redditors suggest that sometimes smaller, less tourist-centric markets in Florence might offer even better value. Nevertheless, the Mercato Nuovo remains an iconic Florentine experience, offering a lively atmosphere and the chance to find a unique, handcrafted item to take home.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit