If you're a lover of vintage or antiques, you'll be delighted to know that every Sunday of the month, in various towns across Puglia, antique, modern art, and collectibles markets take place, where you can find antique objects, design pieces, furniture, and much more.
Sunday mornings in Puglia come to life with a special atmosphere thanks to the markets, real experiences that bring to light the charm of the past and the art of traditional craftsmanship. These markets are not only places to find unique objects and valuable pieces but real cultural adventures immersed in the historical fabric of the region.
The historic antique market of Ostuni takes place every second Sunday of the month near the Villa Comunale. Its name "Zaccaredde" derives from a Salento dialect word for the colored ribbons tied to tambourines to play the pizzica.
The market is a great opportunity to visit the town of Ostuni, one of the most fascinating and characteristic places in the Apulian landscape. Also known as the White City for the candid lime color covering the houses, Ostuni will dazzle you with its splendor. And even though it is now one of the most popular destinations in the region, it still preserves hidden corners to discover.
Every third Sunday of the month, Cisternino welcomes visitors with its market on Via Francesco Clarizia. What will you find? Antique furniture, objects from peasant culture, as well as books, vinyl records, modeling, and much more.
Once again, the market is a great opportunity to visit the town of Cisternino. Just 10 minutes from Locorotondo, Cisternino is included in the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, characterized by a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Many call it the "Capital of the Spit Roasts", and the scent of grilled meat will lead you to the many butcher shops with wood-burning ovens scattered among the alleyways.
What better opportunity to taste a good grilled meat dish?
Every last Sunday of the month from 9 am in Piazza Sant'Antonio in Ceglie Messapica, one of the most important antique markets in Puglia takes place, where you can make good deals and find real past treasures.
The town of Ceglie is one of the oldest centers in the region. At first glance, it may appear to be a sleepy provincial town, but it is actually a dynamic location, especially on the food and wine front. Its many restaurants, also with the Slow Food presidium, bear witness to this.
If you're staying in Puglia in the second week of August, you can attend the large antique, modern art, and vintage market exhibition held annually in Martina Franca. The exhibition, considered the largest in Southern Italy, is an unmissable event, with over 80 exhibitors from all over Italy and even abroad.
In conclusion, these markets are not just places of commerce but are real hidden treasures that invite visitors to explore the rich historical and artistic heritage of the region. The variety of objects and the passion of the sellers offer an authentic experience for all who visit them.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the markets are excellent opportunities to visit villages that often do not fall within the usual tourist itineraries, and for this reason, they deserve to be visited.