In a sea of bobbing white tents, people, and produce, this stand of oddities was like a moving island. The first time that I happened upon it was towards the south end of the market. But the next week it was nowhere to be seen. Last Tuesday I spotted it again on the opposite side as it was on the original time of discovery. It truly is a gem that takes some work to find but so unique that it’s worth it! 
Sant’Ambrogio Flea Market Table
Where can I dig up this gem?
This stand can usually be found somewhere within a local run market called Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Here the people of the market are like bees going from flower to flower; fruit stand to vegetable booth, only picking up what they need, buzzing about in a language not understood to me.
It is well organized for a local, but for an outsider like me, it is chaotic. I weave my way in and out of the people, but I only prove myself to be a clumsy American as I bump around aimlessly trying to fit in. I try to match their self assuredness when I point to what I want from their overflowing crates of produce, the little Italian I attempt to communicate sounding something like a babbling baby.
It is hidden just out of sight from the tourist infested city center, in a very residential area. If you don’t have a map, you can head in the North-East direction from the Church of Santa Croce until you reach a square with a large building in the center, surrounded by tents and tables. If you DO have a map, the exact address of the market is Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti 50122 Florence Italy.
However, this specific flea market stand is sometimes hard to find as the vendors seem to move about quite a bit. You can look for the cluttered table around the outskirts of the market, with doll heads and run by a tall, skinny Italian man.
Vibe check! What’s the atmosphere like?
With my last ounce of dignity, I push my way to an open doorway, promising sunlight. That is when I see four tables covered in kick-knacks, pushed together to form a protective barrier around the salesman who stands guard of the cash register in the center.
The contents of the tables turns out to be books, scarves, doll heads, toys, and kitchenware of a random assortment. The old books beg me to open them for the first time in centuries, probably. The dolls heads follow me as I try to decide how someone might find a use for them.
Sant’Ambrogio is actually very calm compared to the Central Market. But because it is mostly made up of Florentines, I would brush up on your basic Italian. The owner of this specific stand is honestly uninterested in the customers, but will be much more helpful if you know some words like “Quanto” to ask “How much?”. It is not a good place for you if you’re an American wanting to blend in, but you can definitely get some good practice!
What kind of Knick-knacks can I find here?
I pick apart a colorful cluster of silky scarves in a basket, made even more complex by the odd patterns that adorn each piece of material. They look like how my brain feels by being in this new country, all full of beauty but in need of being understood piece by piece. I pick a brown, baby blue, and gold one, and a black one with stitching of various famous monuments in Paris.
Coming to this flea market stand, you don’t even need to be looking to buy. It’s a little activity to throw in while checking out this side of town. If you’re like me, you will be so intrigued by the oddities spread across the table, that you will end up sifting through it for some time.
Personally, I love vintage things for discounted prices. It is more real than a vintage boutique where prices can still be through the roof! The whole flea market section of Sant’Ambrogio is the perfect place to find very unique little gifts for other lovers of the thrifted. The two scarves that I found here were actually quite in style (as determined by my local H&M), and I got them for only 2.50 euros a piece. Beat that fast fashion!
I gather the courage to speak to the owner, finally speaking out “how much?” in Italian. He doesn’t turn around and I debate how much I really want these scarves. But in reality, it is not about the scarves. I have to prove to myself, and this man (who will not remember me in 5 minutes) that I can thrive in country that will be my home for the semester.
I haven’t even seen the Ponte Vecchio yet, is this place worth it?
Even if you never visit the specific stand that I am featuring in this post, I would highly recommend still exploring the Sant’Ambrogio Flea Market and general area. There are hundreds of little gems to uncover, all run and frequented by the kindest, most interesting people. Plus you get a little taste of authenticity, and get to act like a local for a bit!
I reset my body language to its asking stance and ask for the price in a clear voice that could have been the born and raised Florentine behind to me. He glances as me for less than a second and we debate on the total for a little longer than that. I am able to purchase both of them for five euros rather than six.
He takes my money and turns away, respectfully ending the interaction. I walk away with 5 euros less than the small amount that I brought here, but with a high determination for the next few months.
Where can I find the Sant’Ambrogio Market?