The weekly markets in Siena and its province
Mercato delle Merci: not just typical products
To discover the true soul of a city, there is nothing better than a visit to its weekly market: Siena boasts one of the largests in Tuscany, the Mercato delle Merci, which winds through its infinite variety of stalls around the majestic Walls of the Medicean Fortress, on Avenue XXV Aprile. It is a pleasure to be part of the crowd and to get involved in its cheerful atmosphere, made of intriguing scents and colorful stalls, with the ceaseless chatter of people in the background. It is not important to start with a clear idea of what to buy, because the product offering is so rich and varied that it is practically impossible not to find something of your liking.
Every wednesday, a festival of colours and flavours
Strolling through the roads of Siena is in itself a very pleasant experience, along the long pavements overlooked by the magnificent red brick architecture. On Wednesday morning, however, the city has an even more distinctive flavor: skilled traders and craftsmen will attract your attention with their most valuable goods, and the whole road becomes alive. Fabrics, bed linens, dresses, and coats make a good show of themselves on their hangers, and simple cardboard sheets on the floor can become improvised walkways for those who can not resist tempting to try a new pair of colored sandals. And when the fresh wind brings to your nose the most delicious scents of typical Sienese food, even the most impassive tourist will surrender to the desire to experience the authentic delights that come from the Tuscan lands. Cheese, meat, fruit, vegetables and herbs: it’s impossible to resist! A morning walk will soon become the pretext for tasting the most intense traditional flavors, from delicious aged sheep cheese to soft Finocchiona, to the savory sandwich with lampredotto, and before you know it, you will find yourself with your hands full of bags with various items, and getting back to the hotel may become a little troublesome!
Strolling through the local markets
The Mercato delle Merci is held every Wednesday, near the Fortezza, from 8 am to 1:30 pm. Especially on sunny days, it’s a great way to spend your time in town and soak in the local atmosphere. If you arrive in the city center with your car, it is advisable to look for a place in the car park of the Fortezza or in the Santa Caterina one. Wear comfortable shoes and get ready to “make your way” among the enthusiasts interested in same stalls as you are: sometimes somebody will be server before you, but a bit of healthy confusion is part of the charm of these events. The visit to Siena can be completed with a visit to the other interesting markets, which are regularly held in the area and offer a wealth of antiques, jewelery and local crafts. In short, these are the ideal places to find gifts to give to your relatives and friends on your return. Among the various events, it’s worth mentioning the Antiques Market, in the Piazza del Mercato in Siena, which is held every third Sunday of the month, while nearby you can visit the Mercatino delle Crete di Asciano on the second Sunday of the month, or Mercatino dell’antiquariato di Buonconvento, the last Sunday of the month. It’s also worth mentioning the weekly markets of Colle Val d’Elsa, on Friday, and the Fruit Market of San Gimignano every Thursday and Saturday.