Fontana del Porcellino
Florence’s Fontana del Porcellino, near the Mercato Nuovo, is a small fountain known for its bronze boar and a popular good-luck ritual.
In pictures
About
Fontana del Porcellino in Florence sits under the loggia of the Mercato Nuovo, a short walk from Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio. This small Florence fountain is best known for its bronze boar, which has become an easy landmark in the historic center.
The name can be misleading. Il Porcellino means “the little pig,” yet the figure is closer to a wild boar. Local tradition links it with good luck. Many visitors rub its snout and let a coin fall through the fountain’s grate as part of the ritual.
The appeal is less about a long visit and more about how naturally it fits into a smart walking route. You usually stop here for a few minutes, between market streets, civic landmarks, and the river. It works well between Piazza della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and the lanes leading back from the Arno.
Expect a compact, busy spot rather than a quiet monument. Early morning is usually more comfortable for photos. In cooler months, combine it with nearby indoor arcades and the Mercato Nuovo area for a sheltered pause.
The Concierge's Tip
Go early, before the lanes around Mercato Nuovo become crowded. The stop is brief, so place it between Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. Keep bags close in the shopping streets nearby. In wet or very hot weather, this is a practical sheltered pause under the loggia. If the area feels too busy, continue toward quieter side streets before heading back.
Ask the Concierge
Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.
Ask the ConciergeFrequently asked questions
- What is the story behind Florence’s Fontana del Porcellino?
- Fontana del Porcellino is tied to the commercial heart of central Florence, close to the Mercato Nuovo. It is best known for its bronze boar and the local good-luck ritual around it. Today, it matters less as a major monument and more as a symbolic stop on a walk linking market streets, civic buildings, and historic squares.
- What does Il Porcellino mean?
- Il Porcellino means “the little pig.” In practice, the figure looks more like a wild boar than a domestic pig. That small mismatch is part of the place’s identity. In everyday use, the name refers to the fountain and its good-luck animal, both familiar to locals and visitors.
- Why is the boar associated with Florence?
- The boar is not Florence’s only symbol, yet it has a strong place in the city’s image because of this fountain. It also connects with broader Tuscan culture, where the wild boar is a familiar figure. For most visitors, the link comes mainly from Il Porcellino and its luck ritual.
- Where is Fontana del Porcellino in Florence?
- It is in Florence’s historic center, under the loggia of the Mercato Nuovo. You can easily reach it on foot from Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, or Piazza della Signoria. The area is compact and lively, so it helps to look for the covered market loggia rather than a large open square.
- How much time should I allow for a visit?
- Plan on a short stop. A few minutes are usually enough to see the fountain, notice the ritual, and take a photo. Its real value comes from how well it fits into a walking route. It works best as a brief pause between other central Florence sights, not as a standalone visit.
- When is the best time to see Fontana del Porcellino?
- Early morning or later in the day is usually more comfortable. The shopping area fills up quickly, especially in peak season. At those times, foot traffic is easier to manage and photos are simpler. In rainy weather, the covered loggia makes the stop practical even when the streets are wet.
- Is it a good stop for families?
- Yes. It suits families because the stop is short, central, and easy for children to engage with. The snout-rubbing and coin ritual usually holds their attention. The main point is supervision, since the space is compact and the streets around Mercato Nuovo can become quite busy.