Stroll through the San Lorenzo district and discover its markets

Published on July 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm

In Florence, we often use monumental churches to orientate ourselves during our visit: here, let's take the venerable Basilica of San Lorenzo as our starting point.

From the outside, it's not the most sumptuous church in Florence, far behind the Duomo or Santa Croce. But this church is nonetheless the oldest in Florence, and the resting place of the city's most illustrious family, the Medici.

However, San Lorenzo is not only worth a visit for its church, but also (and above all?) for its markets: all along Via dell'Ariento is the Mercato San Lorenzo, where all the Florentine leather crafts, an ancient tradition of the city, are on sale in small stalls.

A little further on, the Mercato Centrale, a large hall dating from the end of the 19th century, is the meeting point for lovers of fresh, local produce: the colourful stalls showcase the whole of Tuscany's terroir. A spectacle not to be missed!

La Basilique San Lorenzo

Summary

San Lorenzo, the oldest church in Florence
A tour of the San Lorenzo markets
Where to sleep?
Practical information

San Lorenzo, the oldest church in Florence

In a city with as many churches as Florence, being the oldest counts for something! San Lorenzo, in the Piazza of the same name, was consecrated a cathedral in 393, and remained so until the Duomo was built a few steps away.

St. Lawrence

Around 1425, San Lorenzo was rebuilt under the influence of the Medici family, who made it their burial shrine: the Medici Chapel (Cappelle Medicee). It houses the richly decorated marble tombs of the powerful family, whose New Sacristy was entirely sculpted by Michelangelo himself.

Dans la Chapelle des Médicis

Other great Florentine artists can also be found at San Lorenzo, whose chapels would make an excellent art history museum: Lippi, Bronzino, Rosso, Donatello... Specialists will have a field day in the church!

Only the façade of the building will disappoint some: the Carrara marble roof, in the Florentine style, was never made by Michelangelo, hence its unfinished appearance...

A tour of the San Lorenzo markets

San Lorenzo not only refers to the Basilica and its square, but also gives its name to the entire surrounding district. A lively, authentic district, created under the rule of the Medici: take the time to wander through the streets and alleys of San Lorenzo to get a taste of its architecture and atmosphere.

San Lorenzo Market

The atmosphere is rarely dampened during the day if you take the Via dell'Ariento from the tourist-filled Piazza San Lorenzo: this street is also known as the Mercato San Lorenzo, because this is where all the local leather crafts are sold, a long-established tradition in Florence. Belts, jackets, blousons, bags, you name it, you'll find it.

In the Mercato Centrale

At the end of the street, another of Florence's famous markets, the Mercato Centrale, changes its theme: it's the belly of the city! For lovers of Tuscan produce, a visit to the stalls of the covered market is an experience to be savoured to the full: the smells, the colours, the flavours... Several small restaurants offer the opportunity to stop for lunch. The great speciality of Les Halles? Tripe Florentine style!

The San Lorenzo district is an ideal place to rent a fully-equipped flat for your stay in Florence, so you can enjoy the local way of life.