Piazza delle Vettovaglie in Pisa

Piazza delle Vettovaglie runs through the heart of Pisa's historic center, between the Lungarno and Via Santa Maria, and is one of the city's most authentic corners.

Its very name (Square of Supplies) evokes the function for which the square was created, which was to host the city market: even today, fresh fruits and vegetables and other groceries can still be bought here; fishmongers' and butchers' stores, bread ovens, pizzerias, taverns, and wine bars can be found here, where typical Pisan dishes can be enjoyed.

 

It was built during the Medici rule in the 16th century and was created following the decision to use the ancient Piazza del Grano as the headquarters of the University of Pisa. In 1494, the Opera del Duomo, which had the right to grain sales, bought the buildings in this area which was being used in the pig trade at the time. The Opera demolished some buildings and built others, such as the portico that surrounds the entire square, turning it into an irregular quadrilateral with a double loggia and arches that bring to mind the Florentine architecture of Filippo Brunelleschi.