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Markets possess unique experience
By Chris O’Dell and James Buce
When exploring the town of Florence, the main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of Florence or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.
The church is more commonly known as the Duomo and is a 13th century cathedral designed by Filippo Brunelleschi following a long search for the right architect for the job.
Although the Duomo is a spectacular sight to see, the streets surrounding the city are where life begins. Filled with merchants and craftsmen, the streets are booming with tourists and deal seekers.
The market at Santa Maria Novella is filled with many unique products, as well as unique merchants. Juan Lorenzo, an owner of a shop at Santa Maria Novella, sells a wide variety of Fiorentina soccer apparel. Lorenzo said the market near the Duomo is a great place for business.
e;"> “I like selling here because many tourists pass by here every day on there way to the Cathedral,” Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo, a life-long soccer fan, sells mostly jerseys and shirts of the local soccer team, but also Italian and Florentine flags.
“Many locals come looking for flags to bring to the games,” Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo is just one of the many merchants who chooses to sell outside of the Duomo and the merchandise is just as unique as each of the merchants.
Other than soccer apparel, there are numerous leather shops, shoe stores, clothing stores and jewelry shops. Some store owners might look to sell knock-off products such as Rolex watches, Armani jackets and Louis Vuitton purses for a low price. However, there are numerous bargains to be found throughout the market place.
Sitting within eye shot of a 13th century cathedral, merchants haggle and sell their products to the tourists. It is a unique market compared to anything found in the United States.
In the U.S. many of our monuments are held in with a sacred regard, so having a shopping center on the same corner would not likely happen.
In Florence however, having the Santa Maria Novella down from the Duomo makes for an experience that is unreachable in the states
When exploring the town of Florence, the main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of Florence or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.
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