Lucca Antique Market

On the weekend of the third Sunday of every month antiques spill out of the shops and onto the cobbled alleyways and piazzas of Lucca . 

The main market is based around the antique district of the old town, Via del Battistero, Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza del Giglio. Dealers from all over Northern Italy invade the walled city to hawk their wares.

I love to wonder around the stalls, there are certain dealers who have real bargains, while others have prices suitable for the chatelaines of the large villas. 

As a tourist you might think that this is not the market for you, as it is difficult to carry a carved church relic or marble statue on a plane, but there are also many stores selling vintage glasses, bags, clothes and tools, so fun can be had by all. You might even find the right crystal drop for an old chandelier .

Just in case you thought this market was a modern innovation to attract visitors, it was started in Medieval times, for the rich merchant families seeking unique pieces for their palazzi.