Mercato Centrale, Food market hall in Florence, Italy
Mercato Centrale is a market hall with iron framework and glass roof in the San Lorenzo district, housing food vendors on two levels. The ground floor displays raw ingredients like produce, meat, and fish, while the upper level features modern restaurants and casual eating areas.
Giuseppe Mengoni designed this hall in 1874, applying architectural principles similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. It quickly became the primary place where Florentines sourced their daily food supplies.
Butchers, bakers, and produce sellers work here following generations-old Tuscan methods, creating a space where local shopping traditions stay alive. Regulars gather daily not just to buy, but to exchange news and maintain connections with the neighborhood.
The market features wide aisles between vendors, making navigation easy even during busy periods. Signage is clear, and restrooms as well as drinking water are available at different locations throughout the space.
Inside the market hall operates a cooking school that teaches visitors how to prepare authentic Florentine dishes. These hands-on courses allow small groups to learn traditional Tuscan recipes and techniques in the midst of active vendors and fresh ingredients.
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