Tuscan Treasures: Uncovering Antique Markets and Hidden Gems

With Signature, Premium and Prime Collection homes in the heart of this ancient Italian region, we know a thing or two about uncovering Tuscany's antique markets and hidden gems. Read on to discover where to find the best Tuscan antiques in this August guide.

Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage 

Steeped in ancient history, Tuscany is the epicentre of Italy’s storied culture. A melting pot of creative influences – from the Etruscan craftsmen to the Roman philosophers and Renaissance artists – this fabled Italian region hides a wealth of artistic riches.  

Florence, Lucca, Arezzo and beyond have beautifully-preserved ancient centres, and each picturesque town is peppered with galleries, museums and boutiques bearing the province’s most prized antiquities. We have explored a few of Tuscany’s most notable regions, poised to reveal their hidden treasures.    

Exploring Tuscany’s antique districts 

Florence

‍With an illustrious art heritage that includes Michelangelo, da Vinci and Botticelli Tuscany’s capital is abundant in antique dealerships, markets and artisan restorers. Visitors to Florence can discover the workshops and studios of skilled craftsmen, who breathe life back into ancient relics – perhaps taking their own vintage finds to be returned to their former glory. 

Lucca

‍A celebrated artistic and cultural hub, Lucca is a stunningly preserved example of ancient Italy and where one of August's Signature Tuscan Farmhouses lives. Echoes of the mediaeval and Renaissance eras can be found in its architecture – serving as fitting backdrop to the town’s plentiful antique shops and markets.    

Arezzo

‍With a rich historical legacy dating back to the days of ancient Etrusca and Rome, Arezzo has become a centre for antique shops in Tuscany. Birthplace of famed Italian artists, including Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari, Arezzo’s significance as an antique district is underlined by its artistic calibre. 

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Tuscany’s most browsable antique markets 

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With so many hidden treasures to uncover, it can be hard to know where to begin. We’ve scoured the most beautiful, bountiful antique markets in Tuscany, bringing you four of the best to see you through the month. 

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Arezzo Antique Fair – 1st weekend of the month

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One of the most beautiful antique markets in Tuscany, the sprawling Arezzo Antique Fair spans from Piazza Grande through to Piazza San Francesco, Piazza della Badia and the surrounding side streets. Established in 1968 by famed Tuscan antique dealer, Ivan Bruschi, this eclectic fair sells everything from ancient relics to art deco lamps and mid-century masterpieces. Plus, it is fringed by a plethora of pretty sidewalk trattorias, enotecas and cafes. Spend a day discovering Tuscan hidden gems, then settle down to indulge in the region’s celebrated cuisine.

‍Santo Spirito Flea Market – 2nd weekend of the month

‍‍Established in 1986, and one of Tuscany’s best-known antique markets, this vibrant vintage fair in the heart of Florence proffers all manner of handicrafts, fine furnishings, ceramics and more – unique hidden treasures that bring a touch of old-world Tuscany into your home. This nostalgic market still deals mainly in cash, so be sure to bring your Euros with you if you want to take a piece of Florence home.

‍‍Antiquariato di Lucca – 3rd weekend of the month‍

Emanating from the grounds of Duomo di San Martino and spreading through Piazza San Giusto, Piazza del Giglio and their surrounding streets, this Lucca institution is one of the most revered Tuscan antique markets – and it’s easy to see why. Set in one of the region’s most beautiful towns, the market boasts an abundance of stalls selling everything from vintage Tuscan lace and linens to antique bone China and 20th-century memorabilia. Spend an hour or two shopping for treasure, then explore the picture-perfect alleyways of this captivating Italian town.

‍Piazza Ciompi Market Exhibition – 4th weekend of the month

‍Back in the stunning surrounds of Florence’s Piazza Ciompi after a temporary relocation for renovations, this monthly antique market is rich in hidden treasures. You’ll find anything from ornate, hand-loomed rugs, to antique farm tools, whimsical kitsch, one-of-a-kind furnishings and literary classics. Then, segue to a handful of the Piazza’s nearby antique shops or take a seat at a Tuscan eaterie for a late lunch and a drop of the region’s celebrated vino. 

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August tips for finding the most exquisite antiques

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The most beautiful pieces can take a little work to unearth. This is why they are called ‘hidden treasures’. Knowing where to find the best antique shops and markets is only half the battle. Here are our tried-and-tested tips for taking home the most exquisite Tuscan antiques.

Be the first to arrive

‍Many a savvy antique hunter knows that the best time to uncover hidden treasure amongst the tables of Tuscany’s antique markets is ‘early’. Many markets begin trading around 10 am, so perch at a cafe before the crowds arrive and be the first to set eyes on the stalls. 

Develop a keen eye

Get to know your Baroque from your Rococo, and all the finer details that might make a piece more valuable. Write a list of the particular pieces you want to uncover, and stick to your plan to stand the best chance of walking away with true Tuscan treasure.      

Inspect your antiques carefully

‍Chips, cracks and missing hallmarks will all impact the value of an antique. So, spend a moment checking any potential purchases over, to make sure they are in mint condition. 

Barter for a deal

‍Antique dealers are well-versed in the art of bartering – in fact, many welcome it with sporting enthusiasm. Just be mindful to negotiate respectfully, or else run the risk of leaving empty handed.  

‍Get to know the dealers‍

If you vacation in Tuscany often, building connections with your favourite antique dealers can unlock that precious first look at incoming treasures. Plus, becoming friendly with a dealer means you’re less likely to fall prey to overblown prices or inferior antiques.

Our Tuscan homes are punctuated with pieces that underline the artistic heritage of this beloved Italian province. Immerse yourself in the heart of this historic region when you co-own a Collection of beautifully renovated homes in Tuscany, the French Riviera, Mallorca, the French Alps and the English countryside. 

Unlock August homeownership today and, by next summer, discover a world of hidden treasures – from Tuscan antiques to Mallorcan textiles and quintessential Cotswolds pubs. Schedule a call with an August Advisor today, or request a brochure and decide which Collection encapsulates your vision of the European dream.