Mercatino Dell’usato, Lucca: your tourist guide
This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot specifically for our place in Tuscany, to highlight “Mercatino Dell’usato Lucca”. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of FAQ’s and give you lots of information to help you get the most out of your Tuscan stay with us.
At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we understand that planning the perfect getaway involves many questions and uncertainties. To help you navigate through these and to ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve launched our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ initiative. This approach isn’t just about promoting our Barns, Cottages and Barges; it’s about providing valuable information, solutions, and peace of mind to our prospective guests.
Anyway, this is the video, and the transcript is below it if you wish to go back over anything.
This is what I said…
Discovering the Fascinating Mercato Usato Outside Lucca
Hello, it’s Carl! In this blog post, I’m taking you to an amazing place just outside Lucca called Mercato Usato, which is essentially the ultimate in recycling. It’s a massive shop where everything is secondhand. When I say “everything,” I mean it—there’s a huge variety of items here. The beauty of it is that all these items go from one owner to the next, breathing new life into old things.
The History of Mercato Usato
Mercato Usato was set up around 20 years ago by two brothers. It’s an enormous place where you can sell your old belongings, and others can buy them. On one of my recent visits, I bought one of those iconic green glass bottles. Before we dive in, I just want to show you the building opposite the shop—it’s a fascinating old structure. It’s clearly a commercial building with an impressive past, although it may not have a bright future. Still, it’s the kind of place that just makes you stop and stare.
Exploring the Treasures Inside
Once you step inside Mercato Usato, you’ll find yourself in a unique mix of just about anything and everything. I have to admit, the first time I went there was back in 2018. I was told by the property agent I bought my house through that this was a “great antique market.” I wouldn’t necessarily call it that, as there’s quite a lot of less valuable items (or “toot,” as I like to call it). But it’s still fun! You’ll find old keyboards, birdcages, and a whole host of quirky items.
For example, classic Italian bikes are a standout here, and my daughter’s partner, who restores vintage Italian bikes, would love them. But don’t expect to find high-end antiques everywhere. You’ll also come across VHS tapes, old phones, and even racing pigeon paraphernalia.
A Journey Back in Time
Wandering through Mercato Usato feels like stepping back into the 1970s. If you have a nostalgic side, this place will surely strike a chord with you. There’s something truly fascinating about browsing the array of vintage items, such as old phones (though they are priced quite steeply at €25 for a nicotine-stained model).
One of the more peculiar items I found was a 1973 bottle of wine. My mate Steve and I almost bought it, but the cork seemed past its prime, and at €10, it wasn’t exactly a bargain. Still, it’s an interesting find.
The Fun of Visiting Mercato Usato
Mercato Usato is about a 15-minute drive from Casa Trebbio and is located just outside Lucca. It’s a fun place to visit, even if you don’t plan to buy anything. You never know what you’ll come across, and there’s always something new (or rather, old) to see. While I’ve been a few times, I’ve noticed that some items tend to stick around for a while.
One memorable purchase I made was a jester’s hat, now proudly displayed at Casa Trebbio. Long-time fans of Merlin will know why I just had to buy it!
A Must-Visit for Vintage Lovers
If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Mercato Usato. It’s one of those places where you can spend hours browsing, just for the sheer fun of it. Whether you’re a vintage lover or just looking for an interesting way to pass the time, it’s worth the visit.
Before you leave, be sure to check out some of the curiosities like the snow globes, old clocks, and magazines. Who knows? You might just find your next unique treasure here.
Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this little tour of Mercato Usato, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel here. Also, make sure to sign up for our newsletters via the homepage of our website, so you don’t miss out on any last-minute availability, competitions, or cancellations.
And yes, you’ll even spot the jester’s hat in the video—though I promise I won’t be wearing it!
Thanks for reading and watching—see you soon!
