To make your weekend perfect visit the Santo Spirito Market. It is located in one of the most picturesque squares in Florence out of the beaten track. Piazza Santo Spirito is in the heart of Oltrarno, on the left side of the Arno river, just a few minutes away from Palazzo Pitti. Therefore, take a break from sightseeing and relax on a bar terrace of the square as it is an ideal place for aperitivo or a beer on the steps of the basilica.
Between the sacred and profane
By the way, young Michelangelo stayed in this convent after the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent, his benefactor, who raised him as his own son in his palace. Here the genius had a chance to study the anatomy dissecting the corpses from the convent hospital. In fact, in Santo Spirito we can admire the perfect proportions of Jesus in the wooden crucifix created by the eighteen-year old artist. Despite the austere facade of Santo Spirito reminding of the spiritual values this area is always busy and lively, a sort of a vanity fair with worldly habits. Here you will see the real life of the locals as they go out, eat and drink.
Santo Spirito Sunday market
If you happen to be in Florence on Sunday you can’t miss the flea-market. Definitely it is a great way of socializing. The market vendors will tell you the story of each vintage item, give you the recipes of pasta or recommend you the best gelato place. Santo Spirito market has a bit of everything in different proportions so there is no way you can leave empty-handed. You must admit it’s really hard to resist getting a coffee cup or a vintage handbag that will remind you about your trip for a long time.
The traders change weekly so you never know what you can find. Every second Sunday of the month the market features local handicraft such as ceramics, leather, wood and jewellery while on the third Sunday you can get local products and delicacies: cheese, olive oil, truffle or biscotti. However, the best time for shopping is the last Sunday of the month since you will find lots of antiques and vintage items, including artworks, furniture and clothes. Anyway, no matter when you come, there is always a great variety of things and a good chance to get something to eat or wear.
When you are done with the shopping you can relax in the fancy gastropub Pint of View, just a few minutes walk from Santo Spirito. Enjoy the exquisite artisan cocktails and craft beers in a lounge atmosphere.
So see you on Sunday in Santo Spirito or on our walking tour.
