A place of excellence in all its aspects, Tuscany is the land of unique historical heritage, exquisite wines that come from enchanting vineyards, a food culture that is celebrated all over the world, and miles and miles of stunning landscapes.
It’s a region deeply connected to its roots, where everything tastes and smells like tradition – so much that all it takes to go back in time is glancing around, everywhere you are.
It is therefore no wonder that antiquing is another of Tuscany’ selling points.
Especially when Spring is approaching, one can easily stumble upon a local flea market or a big, specialized event, both in cities such as Florence, Siena and Arezzo, but also in picturesque villages in the countryside.
On this article we’ll focus on the Chianti area, telling you all about one event in particular.
“Chianti” is the name commonly used for some territories in Tuscany, mostly over the provinces of Florence and Siena. It’s also a name that indicates a specific wine district. Several towns and villages in the area include the term in their own names: Greve in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Radda in Chianti. Montepulciano, San Gimignano and Volterra are part of the Chianti area too.
Once a year, the village of Greve in Chianti holds a famous fair of antiques and collectors’ items. It’s called Mercatino delle Cose del Passato, an expression that translates as “little market of things from the past”.
Halfway between Florence and Siena, Greve in Chianti is a charming hamlet renowned also for its wine production (but that’s Tuscany for you, basically), a lot of historical churches, medieval buildings, and castles. And then, on Easter Monday – which in Italian it’s called “Pasquetta” –, the main square gets filled with pieces of furniture, books, ceramics, embroidered linens, paintings, and so many old beauties that it would be impossible to list them in detail.
Needless to say, the streets around Piazza Matteotti brim with porchetta, cheese stands, and wine.
In 2023, the Greve in Chianti’s Easter fair celebrates its 50th birthday. As much as the little treasures that you’d find there, it’s an event that gets better as it gets older.
If you’re planning to visit Tuscany, get in touch with the VacaVilla team to know more about magnificent proprieties that will make your holiday a dream come true.
Image credits: Unsplash; Eduardo Rodriguez, Rich Martello, Angelina Herbert, Tolga Kilinc, Davide Ragusa.
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