The Ultimate Italian Vintage Markets Guide
Italy
Whether antiques, branded fashion, old books or vinyls, these markets are treasure troves not only of objects—but of hopes and dreams, shaped by nostalgia, personal taste, and the desire for a home or wardrobe layered with meaning through pre-loved pieces. Together with Violalimone, we’ve curated a list of our favourites, from Italy to abroad.
Once, it was a fun, slightly quirky tradition—wandering through stands and stalls filled with funky brocantage and dusty coats, scavenging for something special to bring home in a colourful array of objects that only a handful of aficionados would truly appreciate. Today, vintage markets have become a genuine cult—and the markets themselves, a coveted destination for a much broader crowd in search of home décor, vintage jewellery, or that elusive coat they’ve been chasing across apps and markets all over.
Curator: Violalimone, Editor: Ottavia Mapelli
Northern Italy
We won’t deny it—Milan is a true mecca for vintage finds. One of our favorites is the Mercato dell’Antiquariato, Naviglio Grande: strolling through the stalls that line the banks of the Naviglio is a magical experience in itself. Not far from the city, Monza hosts the Mercatino del Brocantage, where collectors and vintage lovers crowd tiny Via Bergamo—one of the oldest streets in town—on the hunt for hidden gems and a chance to relax in one of the local cafés or bistros.
Before heading further south, you might want to take a quick detour into Switzerland, where—less than an hour’s drive from the city—a hidden gem awaits. The museum-like interiors of Brocante Mollard in Coldrerio showcase a surprisingly rich selection of walnut wardrobes, beds, and comò, alongside baskets, chests, amphorae, and more.
Back in Italy and just outside Milan, Pulci e non solo in Corsico is a small but beloved monthly event where design lovers and vintage hunters can uncover anything from timeless overcoats to grandma’s porcelain cups. Further south, Pavia’s Mercatino del Ri-Uso – Nuova Vita alle Cose may not be the largest, but it’s known for its well-curated stalls and the chance to score genuine deals. In Varese, the Antico Mercato Bosino fills the historic center every second Sunday of the month, offering antiques, collectibles, and curious finds that animate the city’s elegant streets.
For a weekend getaway, head to beautiful Cremona, home to a historic Mercato del Modernariato e Antiquariato with over 25 years of history and 90 exhibitors. If you find yourself in Veneto, don’t miss the antique market just outside Padova, in Piazzola sul Brenta. Set against the elegant backdrop of Baroque Villa Contarini, its stalls stretch under porches and along streets, with more than 800 exhibitors in attendance.
Green and graceful Vicenza also deserves a visit for its market Non ho l’età ("I'm not that young anymore")—a nod to the timeless charm of objects with stories to tell. It's the perfect excuse for a slow stroll among Renaissance palazzi and gardens.
Wine and vintage lovers should look to Piedmont, where markets are scattered among charming towns and rolling hills. From the antiques market in Casale Monferrato—a jewel with a 17th-century synagogue and more than one winery for celebrating great finds—to the lively stalls of Cherasco. From Ovada, a tiny treasure known for its French vintage pieces, to Alessandria’s Officina dei Ricordi, each stop is a journey into the past, full of character. Nizza Monferrato—heart of the region’s deep connection to Barbera wine—is home to the Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Nicese, where, every third Sunday of the month, a lively crowd of vintage lovers gathers in search of unique finds (with a few celebratory glasses of Barbera never far behind).
Fun, soulful, and indulgent, Emilia Romagna is another hotspot for vintage treasures. Start in Bologna, where alongside its endless gastronomic delights, you’ll find the beloved Mercato Antiquario set against the stunning backdrop of Piazza Santo Stefano. Further east, Rimini—a symbol of the classic vacanza all’italiana, etched in the memories of many Italians for its long summer nights and legendary discos—hosts Rimini Antiqua, a market that blends antiques and vintage fashion right in the heart of the historic center. Just a short drive away, the charming town of San Giovanni Marignano welcomes visitors with Il Vecchio e l’Antico, a market full of great pre-loved finds. Sincere and unpretentious, it’s a lovely little stop—great to pair with a coffee before heading home.
Central Italy
Should we choose a star among Tuscany’s antique markets, the crown would undoubtedly go to the Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo—one of the largest and most prestigious in Italy. With over 500 exhibitors set in the medieval heart of the city, it offers an exceptional variety of vintage treasures. Another unmissable event is the Lucca Antique Market, which spans several piazzas of the walled city and features a carefully curated mix of linens, prints, antiques, and other finds that vintage lovers will adore. A beloved appointment for both locals and adopted Florentines is the Antiques Market in Piazza Santo Spirito, set in the lively heart of the Oltrarno. This much-loved gathering overflows with refined vintage, artisanal pieces, and standout jewellery and fashion finds from Tuscan makers past and present.
Nearby Umbria hides treasures many have yet to discover. Its most iconic antiques fair takes place in Pissignano, near Trevi, where dealers from across central Italy line the village streets with curated collections, rare pieces, and statement finds. In Città di Castello, a beautiful backdrop awaits vintage seekers every third Sunday of the month, when the historic centre fills with stalls offering a well-curated selection. And Todi—a postcard-perfect hilltop town—hosts its own antiques market in a serene, elegant setting that perfectly mirrors Umbria’s quiet charm.
Finally, in Lazio, our favourite Roman picks include the iconic Mercato di Porta Portese, with its dedicated area for antiques and vintage—a true open-air trove of timeless pieces. Also worth exploring is the Borghetto Flaminio Vintage Market, tucked inside a former bus depot and well-loved by fashion insiders for its high-quality, curated selection. For those seeking a calmer alternative to Porta Portese, the Ponte Milvio Sunday Market offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a solid mix of antiques and curiosities.
Southern Italy
Sunny southern regions have long been a magnet for Italian and international vacationers—and many return year after year to scout the mercatini locali, a charming blend of traditional heritage and buzzy, fashion-forward finds. Whitewashed Puglia is a favorite, and the luminous hilltop town of Ostuni stands out as a beacon for vintage aficionados. Its historic Mercatino dell’Antiquariato, set against the backdrop of Ostuni’s ancient walls, is a beloved stop for antique seekers. La Mercanteria, on the other hand, offers a curated Mediterranean-style selection of sought-after finds—a treasure trove for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their masseria-style home or bring a piece of Apulian beauty back with them.
In the charming town of Ceglie Messapica, a Mercatino dell’Antiquariato enlivens the historic center with a carefully chosen selection of furniture and objects ranging from the mid-1800s to the early 20th century—alongside modernist pieces, vintage finds from the ’60s to the ’80s, luminarie, ’40s comics, vinyl, coins, stamps, and handcrafted wrought iron work. And if you happen to be there outside market days, Civico Tre is still worth a stop—an elegant boutique filled with handmade objects and home décor inspired by Puglia’s warm, rustic charm.
Cisternino—white, Greek-like, and nestled in the Trulli-filled Valle d’Itria—is known not only for its delicious bombette but also for its Mercatino di Antiquariato, Modernariato, Collezionismo, Vintage e Artigianato: a market of antiques, mid-century pieces, collectibles, vintage items, and local crafts.
In Sardinia—a world unto itself—rugged and charming Cagliari hosts a Mercato di Antiquariato e Collezionismo, where stalls overflow with collectibles, curiosities, and vintage treasures. Olbia, the gateway to the Costa Smeralda, offers two occasions each month for vintage lovers: Il Rastro, held on the first Sunday of the month, is a popular gathering of antique dealers and enthusiasts in the heart of the historic center; while the Mercato di Antiquariato e Collezionismo in Piazza Matteotti showcases a carefully curated selection of vintage décor and objets d’art.
Inland, L’Introvabile in Sassari is beloved by connoisseurs for its thoughtful edit of curious and refined finds—a local gem often shared with only the most discerning visitors. In Oristano, the monthly antiques market offers a chance to discover local craftsmanship and pre-loved pieces in the heart of the island.
It would be impossible not to mention the Thursday market of San Pantaleo. Though more famous for its fashionable edge and loyal following of Costa Smeralda holiday-goers, this sun-soaked market is a trove of fine textiles, quality labels, and design objects—an excellent excuse to visit one of Northern Sardinia’s prettiest and most vibrant villages.
Our selection for sun-basking Sicily begins in Palermo, where every Sunday morning, Piazza Marina comes alive with stalls offering vintage treasures of all kinds—from books to furniture, eclectic statement pieces to local craftsmanship.
In stunning Siracusa, vintage charm abounds in the delightful square beneath the historic basilica: the antiques market in Piazza Santa Lucia becomes a gathering place for lovers of nostalgia and layered beauty, and yet another reason to wander through the streets of Ortigia, the island’s oldest quarter, which stretches gracefully into the Ionian Sea.
Another beloved event is the Fiera dell’Antiquariato e del Collezionismo in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, near Messina—a colourful array of ceramics, vintage magazines, tapestries, and more.
