Outdoor Food & Antique Markets in Umbria
Outdoor Food & Antique Markets in Umbria
Apart from being the most unique source of souvenirs and consolation gifts for the friends you left behind, outdoor markets are some of the most interesting places in Italy. Almost all of them offer a collection of items that ranges from near-worthless knick knacks to priceless works of art, from the ancient to the post-post modern. Some are specialized but all welcome visitors, who are encouraged to have fun bargaining in English, Italian, sign language or any combination of the above. A word to the wise: keep your money and valuables stashed under at least one layer of clothes. Who wants to spend the whole time worrying why all those people are jostling you?
Here is a partial calendar of outdoor markets held in Umbria.
Keep in mind that special outdoor markets are almost always held on the occasion of town fairs and festivals.
- Perugia
(Palazzo della Prefettura, in summer, Rocca Paolina, in winter, - last weekend of the month). The main attraction here are ceramics, from the most precious to the most utilitarian, all colorfully decorated with patterns in use for centuries. Antique costume jewelry is another highlight.
- Bastia Umbra
(Piazza Mazzini, Sunday before the 21st in March, June, September and December). In case you didn't figure out the puzzle, this market takes place at the beginning of each of the four seasons, to which it is dedicated. The fifty stands sell small inexpensive items, mostly, against the backdrop of the 14th-century church of Santa Croce.
- Castiglione del Lago
(Piazza Gramsci, third Saturday of the month, April to September). Another great place to find the wonderful local ceramics, along with antique archery equipment. The lovely little town overlooks Lake Trasimeno.
- Todi
(Piazza Comunale, last week in March). Leading antique dealers from all over Italy gather to sell furniture, paintings, rugs, bronze figures and antique ceramics.
- Spoleto
(Historic center of town, second Sunday of the month).
- Pissignano
(Via Flaminia, first Sunday of the month).
- Narni
(Piazza dei Priori, third Saturday of the month).
- Città di Castello
(Town center, third Saturday of the month).
- Gubbio
(Town center, second weekend of the month).
Food Markets
- Mondays
Montefalco, largo Santa Chiara and largo Buozzi
Panicale, frazione Tavarnelle
Amelia, piazza XX Settembre
- Tuesdays
Deruta
Foligno
Penna
Taverna
- Wednesdays
Spello, piazza Matteotti
Baschi, piazza Italia
- Thursdays
Città di Castello
Trevi, piazza Garibaldi
Orvieto, campo Mercato
- Fridays
Spoleto, piazza del Mercato
Tuoro sul Trasimeno, via Annibale Cartaginese
Montevecchio, piazza Garibaldi
- Saturdays
Assisi
Todi
Montecastrilli, viale Verdi
- Sundays
Guardea, via del Giuoco and piazza Panfili
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