Florence’s San Lorenzo area no longer boasts its ambulant and busy market.
In efforts to clear up the area around the basilica of San Lorenzo, re-pave the age-old stones and introduce an electric bus route through the centuries-old piazza, the City of Florence has obliged market traders to move their stalls as a temporary measure.
On January 20, the market traders of Florence’s world-famous San Lorenzo market staged a one-day protest against the move, which they fear will become a permanent one.
Prior to the protest, local trade unions representing the stall-holders had drawn attention to the ‘absolute indifference of the city administration to our official petitions to hold a meeting. We hope that the future of more than 80 businesses, run by dozens of employees, will make everyone strive towards a mutually beneficial solution that safeguards the needs of all.’
The move has sparked various reactions: some residents and tourists have praised the decision, welcoming the better views of the basilica, while others disapprove of depriving the area of its world-famous market.
In a tweet, Mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, wrote, ‘We have freed as promised the San Lorenzo area, one of the most beautiful places in the world. We made a promise, and we’ve kept it.’
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