Description: When you mention the San Lorenzo Market in Florence, most people think of the rows of open stalls selling leather, porcelain trinkets, hats, and purses that line the streets around the great church of San Lorenzo. But there is another part of this market that many people miss, and a lot of visitors don't even know about. Just off Via Dell'Ariento, there is an industrial looking building which was built in the late 1800s, painted with a deep green and red, which houses the interior food section of the larger market event.
This two-story covered market offers an unending variety of foods dried, fresh, bottled, pickled, preserved, and prepared. The first floor is home to the butchers, cheese-makers, oils/truffles/spices, wines, and a few note-worthy cafes. If you're at all squeamish about seeing (or smelling) raw meat, this may not be the place for you, as vendors sell everything from skinned rabbits, whole chickens (with heads), and innards (brain, tongue, intestines, spleens,eyeballs,etc), to pig heads, stuffed stomach linings, and fresh sausage. Hold your breath at least long enough to buy some of the amazing cheese offerings. Pecorino, buffalo mozzarella, and parmesan are some of the traditional favorites that never disappoint. (And the aged cheeses can be wrapped specifically for international transport if you'd like, so be sure to ask!)
Visit some of the shop-like stalls selling wines, dried porchino mushrooms, truffle salts, and of course high quality olive oil. There are even several sit-down (or stand-up) bar side type cafes that offer great homemade food at good prices. Note many locals dining at these for a quick lunch during the workdays.
Next head upstairs to the vegetarian heaven! Stop and sample the most flavorful concord grapes, a leaf of peppery arugula, or a slice of fresh pear. Of course, you'll only find the fruits and veggies that are currently in season, so don't expect to see oranges in autumn. Chose a bag full of different dried fruits and nuts to snack on (ginger, coconut, cherries, almonds, and bananas), and then linger as all the colors of this floor of the market soak in to your line of vision.
Bargaining is normal, although many prices are marked on signs (usually for things sold at a weight). Don't pick up or touch the produce, as it's customary for the vendor to choose the best pieces for you and touching could be considered rude.
Overall, just get ready for a senses explosion and take your time wandering through this energetic and colorful place.
Open 7am - 2pm Mon-Sat
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