Mercato Nuovo

The Loggia del Porcellino was constructed in the mid-sixteenth century by Giovanni Battista del Tasso and was used as a market place. The Mercato Nuovo (New Market, or Straw Market as it is sometimes called) is still held under the arched pavilion, providing city center shopping as it has for centuries. Today it is primarily a tourist market, where you can find handicrafts such as bags, belts and leather accessories, along with lovely silk items such as clothing and bandanas, and much more.

The Loggia del Porcellino means "little pig" in Italian, taking its name from a bronze boar fountain, located on one side of the structure. It was made ​​by Pietro Tacca in the 17th century. Local legend says that touching the nose of the Porcellino brings good luck, which is why the bronze is so polished - every day hundreds of tourists stop by and place a coin in the pig's mouth after rubbing its nose. When money falls into the water, it is itaken as a sign of good luck.

Summer Market Hours (from March through November): Monday - Sunday 9 AM - 8 PM.

Winter hours (from November through March): Tuesday - Sunday 9 AM - 7.30 PM.