Italy loves its outdoor markets; the weekly farmers' markets and monthly antique markets are a chance to shop but more importantly a chance to catch up with neighbors and vendors. Visiting a market is a social event and the Antique Market of Piazolla di Brenta is no exception but this antique market happens to be a social event in an amazing location. 

With over 800 stalls the Piazolla di Brenta Antique Market offers something for everyone. From furniture to vinyl to chandeliers; the colors and variety of products are a feast for the eyes.

Villa Contarini provides the perfect backdrop to inspires the antique hunter's search for treasure. The pale terracotta and white buildings hug the stalls and the statues, frozen in time. The statutes seem to look down from their columns greeting and observing the visitors with humor. Watching as the eager shoppers weave between stalls looking for the perfect find.

Villa Contarini sits on 40 acres of landscaped park. It was built in the sixteenth century by the Contarini family on the remains of an ancient castle from around the year 1000. 

To my amusement some of the statues seem to be holding their own purchases, a vase, a shield, a treasure found before frozen in stone.

The Villa served as a rural residence for around a hundred-fifty years before falling into disrepair. Since 2005 the Villa has been owned and renovated by the Veneto Region, it hosts concerts and cultural events and is open for tours everyday except Wednesday, but the last Sunday of the month is when it truly comes alive.

Vendors arrive early to display their wares and shoppers come to collect, to wander and to linger on historic grounds admiring artifacts from the past. Art and location merging in perfect symmetry. 

Whether you are shopping or just out for an experience the market at Piazolla sul Brenta is well worth a visit. Who knows what you might find to buy? But the experience is there for the taking? No Euros required.

Where is the Market ? Piazza Paolo Camerini, 35016 Piazzola sul Brenta

GPS: 45.5419365, 11.7862924

When? The last Sunday of every month from 8.30am to 4-5pm

How do I learn more about the villa ? Here