The “Straw Market” in Florence dates back to 11th century but it has been called “New Market” from 1551, when it has been covered with a Renaissance loggia. Nowadays it still has some stands that sells straw hats and bags, that was the main reason it was so renowned in the past, but most common products you can find here are souvenirs for tourists.
Among Florence inhabitants, Straw Market is called also “Market of the Little Pig”, or Mercato del Porcellino in Italian, after a bronze statue of a boar.
It is said to bring good luck to all those who will rub his little shiny nose!
