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PhrasesAt the Antique MarketC'è un altro mercatino dell'antiquariato qui vicino?
A2

C'è un altro mercatino dell'antiquariato qui vicino?

Is there another antique market nearby?

Pronunciation

mer-ca-TI-no — four syllables; the diminutive '-ino' suffix is very common in Italian; stress on the third syllable.

When to use it

Use this to find out about other markets in the area. Antique market enthusiasts often plan whole weekends around a circuit of markets in a region.

What it means

'Mercatino dell'antiquariato' (antique market — literally 'little market of antiquities') is the standard Italian term. The diminutive '-ino' makes 'mercato' into 'mercatino', giving it a friendly, informal feel. Sellers at these markets often know the local circuit well and can give good advice.

Variations

Quando si tiene il mercatino di Arezzo?

When is the Arezzo antique market held?

Arezzo hosts one of Italy's most famous monthly markets — first Sunday

Qual è il mercato dell'antiquariato più importante di questa regione?

What is the most important antique market in this region?

Asking for the flagship market of the area

C'è un calendario dei mercatini?

Is there a calendar of markets?

Regional tourism offices often publish market calendars

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un altro mercatino dell'antiquariato qui vicino? — La prossima domenica c'è quello di Lucca — molto bello. — È mensile? — Sì, la terza domenica di ogni mese. — Grazie del consiglio.

— Is there another antique market nearby? — Next Sunday there's the one in Lucca — very good. — Is it monthly? — Yes, the third Sunday of every month. — Thanks for the tip.

Cultural Note

Italy has hundreds of regular antique markets (mercatini dell'antiquariato) at all levels of scale and quality. The most famous include: Porta Portese (Rome, every Sunday), Navigli (Milan, last Sunday of the month), Arezzo (first weekend of the month, one of Europe's largest), and the Fiera di Sinigallia in Milan. The online platform 'Mercatino dei Brutti' indexes most of them.