The markets of Siena

The city of Siena, in addition to being a medieval town famous for its artistic heritage and history, is also famous for its food and wine culture. Indeed, one of its main attractions areits markets, places where local products and typical Sienese and Tuscan specialities can be found.

Whether you’re a cooking enthusiasts in search of new ingredients or simply want to try the authentic flavours of this marvellous territory, the Siena marketis a stop not to be missed when visiting the city. Let’s find out when the markets take place in and around Siena. 

Siena weekly market 

If you are visiting Siena and want to discover the authentic soul of this city, you cannot miss the various events held throughout the week in and around the historic centre. One of the most important events is without doubt the Mercato delle Merci (Wares Market), one of the largest traditional markets in Tuscany. It takes place every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and boasts numerous stalls stretching from the Fortezza Medicea to Viale XXV Aprile. The Mercato delle Merci is an authentic and unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of daily life in the city. Here, it is mainly clothing, fabrics, textiles, and household items that are sold.

In addition, every third Sunday of the month, the Mercatino dell’Antiquariato (Antiques Market) is held in the Market Square from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. With over 100 exhibitors, Siena’s antiques market represents a unique opportunity for antique enthusiasts and collectors, alongside many other visitors. For tourists visiting the city, it offers an unmissable opportunity to look for original and special objects to take home as souvenirs of their trip. In the stalls you can find a wide selection of antiques, including furniture, ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and collectors’ items. 

Markets in the province of Siena 

Numerous markets are held in both Siena and the medieval and historical villages of its surroundings. Let’s find out about some of them:

• Mercatino delle Crete di Asciano: this market is held every second Sunday of the month in Asciano, a small municipality not far from Siena. On this occasion, the streets of Asciano’s historic centre come alive with numerous stalls selling typical local products, such as cheese, salami, wine, olive oil and much more. In addition to foodstuffs, handicraft products such as ceramics, textiles, wooden objects and other local souvenirs can be found. In addition, the market is an opportunity to attend traditional music and dance performances, as well as wine and local food tastings. 

• Weekly market in Colle Val d’Elsa: a few kilometres from Siena, in Colle Val d’Elsa, a weekly market is held every Friday morning. The streets of the historic centre are filled with stalls offering a wide range of local products, such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, cold meats, artisanal sweets, wine, olive oil, as well as clothing and home accessories. The Colle Val d’Elsa Market is highly appreciated by residents and tourists alike, not only for the quality of the products on offer, but also for the lively and welcoming atmosphere it brings to the streets of the town centre.

• Fruit and Vegetable Market of San Gimignano: in the magnificent medieval town of San Gimignano, one of the most famous and ancient in the whole of Tuscany, just a few kilometres away from Siena, a fruit and vegetable market is held every Thursday morning in the town’s main squares, Piazza Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Cisterna. From 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. you can find a vast quantity of fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables and cheeses, as well as handicrafts and local food and wine products. In addition to its impressive market, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers that make it a unique and unmissable town. 

In addition to these occasions, various markets are held every day in various locations in the province of Siena: for example, in Montalcino every Friday morning, in Montepulciano every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Monteroni d’Arbia every Tuesday morning, in Chiusdino on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and many others. Every market in Siena and its surroundings is an authentic experience that allows visitors to discover local flavours, products and traditions. Thanks to the quality of the products and the atmosphere on these occasions, the markets are events not to be missed. For tourists and residents alike, they provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Tuscan culture and discover the best this region has to offer.