Porcellino
Religious Site Florence bronze boar statue at Mercato Nuovo
The bronze boar sculpture outside Florence’s Mercato Nuovo-known as Il Porcellino-attracts tourists who photograph it, drop a coin into the grate and browse nearby leather stalls.
A small bronze fountain depicting a wild boar known as Il Porcellino located at the Mercato Nuovo (the “New Market”) in Florence. The statue dates to the early 17th century and is a well-known city symbol.
The statue is a cast of a celebrated bronzework created in the early 1600s and installed at the market loggia, where it has become a long-standing local landmark and tourist attraction. Over time the bronze has been cleaned and conserved to protect it from wear and vandalism.
Sited beneath the loggia of the Mercato Nuovo in central Florence, within walking distance of the Duomo and the River Arno; it sits in the historic commercial quarter of the city.
- Good-luck ritual: The bronze's snout is polished bright from visitors rubbing it for good luck; many people also drop a coin into the boar's mouth so it falls through the grate.
- Best time to visit: Located under the loggia of the Mercato Nuovo, it is easiest to photograph early in the morning before market crowds and tour groups arrive.
How to Get to Porcellino #
On foot from Florence Cathedral (Duomo) - about a 5-10 minute walk north along Via de’ Cerretani and Via dei Pecori. The Mercato Nuovo sits between Via Calzaiuoli and Via de’ Calzaiuoli; nearest major point is Piazza San Giovanni. Accessible by multiple city bus routes; no admission fee.
Tips for Visiting Porcellino #
- Approach Il Porcellino early in the morning to avoid tour groups and to see the coin ritual performed by locals.
- Try the nearby leather‑workers' shops in Mercato Nuovo for a less touristy shopping experience.
- If photographing, frame the fountain with the loggia openings to capture the rhythm of Florentine stonework.
Best Time to Visit Porcellino #
Spring and autumn offer the best combination of light and thinner crowds.
Weather & Climate near Porcellino #
Porcellino's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (827 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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