Mercato del Porcellino is best known in Firenze for two things - firstly, there is a statue of a…read morepig that sits at the edge of the market in a fountain that is apparently good luck to rub and toss a coin in (hence the name of the market). Secondly, it's home to a large cluster of street vendors selling mostly leather goods along with a few other items. We thought it would be a good idea to explore this during our time in Firenze since we were looking for some gifts to bring home.
In terms of content, what's being sold at Porcellino is really no different than what you see from vendors throughout the city - lots of leather goods such as bags, wallets, folios, belts, and catchalls. I also noticed a selection of scarves and other small accessories. What makes Procellino stand out is the sheer concentration of the vendors in one space, so you can take the time to explore one right after the other. Also, because they're so close the smell of the leather is really concentrated - I was taking deep sniffs as I was walking around the market. I ended up buying two belts, and my brother ended up getting a few gifts for the upcoming holidays.
Prices aren't bad, you can pay face value/what they offer, but also be prepared to haggle and be charged different prices whether you pay with card or cash. Overall, it's definitely worth a stop while you're in Firenze - you never know what you may find - also pet the pig.
