Piazza delle Vettovaglie

Piazza delle Vettovaglie is a large rectangular square with a double loggia and archways framed by medieval towers at its corners. Market vendors selling fish, meat, bread, and local products line the edges, with a fountain at the center and food shops occupying the surrounding arcades.

The site emerged as a grain and food storage area during the 14th century, then evolved under Medici control into the market square it is today. The construction reflects layers of periods, with the double loggia and tower structures developing gradually over centuries of commercial use.

The square serves as a daily gathering place where locals shop for fresh ingredients and regional products that reflect Pisan traditions. Market stalls and food vendors give the space its working identity and connect it to everyday community life.

The square is busiest in the morning when market goods are fresh, making it the best time to visit for an authentic experience. The covered arcades provide shelter from weather, and the layout is easy to navigate with shops and vendors clearly visible around the perimeter.

The name 'Vettovaglie' refers to provisions and supplies, a term that remains fitting because the square still serves its original purpose daily. The blend of medieval towers and later Renaissance structures is visible in its architecture, showing how the space adapted without losing its market character over time.