Sant’Ambrogio Market

The covered Sant’Ambrogio Market houses food shops. Its quality produce and affordable prices make it a reference point not only for the neighbourhood but for the rest of the city. The market continues outside, in the mornings only. Like San Lorenzo Market, it dates from the late 19th century, when the transfer of the Kingdom of Italy’s capital from Turin to Florence prompted a complete redesign of the historic centre. It was 1860, and Florence was taking on its present appearance, clearly inspired by Europe’s great capitals, above all Paris. To improve the old centre, new markets first had to be built. Sant’Ambrogio Market was built with a cast-iron structure in a large kitchen garden on the block beyond Santa Croce towards the walls. It opened in 1873, about a year before San Lorenzo Market.