There are few better ways to spend a lazy Sunday than idly strolling around a market, and Arezzo’s famous Fiera Antiquaria (Antiques Fair), established over 50 years ago, certainly doesn’t disappoint.
When is Arezzo's Antique Fair held?
The "Fiera Antiquaria" is held on the first Sunday of every month, as well as on the preceding Saturday (seems complicated but sometimes the first Sunday falls on the 1st of the month, so the Saturday date falls in the preceding month).
Dates for Arezzo Antiques Fair in 2025
The Fair opens at 9am and winds down by 8pm
| Month | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 4 Jan | 5 Jan |
| February 2025 | 1 Feb | 2 Feb |
| March 2025 | 1 Mar | 2 Mar |
| April 2025 | 5 Apr | 6 Apr |
| May 2025 | 3 May | 4 May |
| June 2025 | 7 Jun | 8 Jun |
| July 2025 | 5 Jul | 6 Jul |
| August 2025 | 2 Aug | 3 Aug |
| September 2025 | 6 Sep | 7 Sep |
| October 2025 | 4 Oct | 5 Oct |
| November 2025 | 1 Nov | 2 Nov |
| December 2025 | 6 Dec | 7 Dec |
Where is the Fiera held?
Its main hub is situated in the impressive Piazza Grande but with over 400 stalls it sprawls outwards – running under the stunning Loggiato Vasariano and then down and around the surrounding streets.
Piazza Grande in Arezzo on Google Maps
Like all good antiques markets, it’s the kind of place you’ll find anything and everything; from improbably-sized rusty keys which lead you to imagine the palazzos they once unlocked, to retro cameras, artworks, silverware, books, and furniture from every era.
Fiera Antiquaria Arezzo is the official website.
Cafes in Arezzo near the Antiques Fair
Being Italy, there’s no shortage of cafes on hand should you need a pitstop. Caffe Dei Costanti in Piazza S. Francesco is popular with locals and has plenty of outdoor seating for prime people watching. Depending on the time of day, you may opt for a quick espresso and get back to it, or order a round of Aperol Spritzes to help lubricate your partner as you try to convince them that the enormous armoire you saw really would look cool in your bedroom (and of course you won’t have any problems getting it through airport security on your way home).
It’s hard not to fall under the spell of the items on offer, filling your eyes with the treasures on show, but don’t forget to look up once in a while too, so as not to miss the breath-taking medieval and renaissance architecture that the historic centre of the city has to offer.
Sushi in Arezzo
For lunch, you’ll find plenty of local fare on offer at reasonable prices; whilst Arezzo gets a lot of visitors, it’s not as much of a tourist trap as the likes of Florence and Siena. However, if you fancy a break from pizza and pasta, a hidden gem of a Sushi restaurant (Tao) can be found opposite the train station, just 5 minutes’ walk from the market, where you can enjoy a €13 all-you-can-eat lunch menu. Yes, really, all you can eat sushi.
Gelato Time
No day spent in an Italian city would be complete without an ice-cream, so before you head back to where you’re staying stop by the Gelateria Sunflower (also in Piazza S. Francesco), to indulge in some of the best Pistachio gelato that Italy has to offer. After all that time spent on your feet shopping, you deserve it after all.
Where to stay near Arezzo
Start by having a look at our list of Villas close to Arezzo - and it's also worth looking at Holiday Rentals in the Val di Chiana. Certainly San Michele would be a good option - it's a beautiful villa for 8 above the city, with a pool, a hot-tub and even a great collection of farm animals for the kids to get to meet. The owners are wonderful cooks and have a wine-cellar that I could lose myself in!
San Michele, Arezzo Villa for 8
Getting to Arezzo
For advice and timings for getting to Arezzo, have a look at our page: how to get to Arezzo, Italy
Author: Dan Wrightson
Dan Wrightson grew up in Tuscany, Italy and has been writing about, sketching and exploring Tuscany and Italy since 1983.
25th Dec 2021 1st Dec 2024