Today I discovered, with the help of a friend, a new mercatino usato (second hand shop). Amazingly enough it is only a 15 minute drive from my house. Why did I not know of this place this past 10 years!? It is absolutely gigantic and filled with everything under the sun. There are buildings upon buildings jam packed with old accordians, wrought iron bed frames, antique cameras, hand painted eggs, ceramic vases, horse saddles, crystal glassware, fireplaces, wash basins, wooden closets/desks/drawers/beds. Among all the garbage there are treasures to be found. At one point we were poking through one of the derelict warehouses to find an actual tree growing in the middle of it and poking out of the roof. Here are a few photos I took incognito while wandering around (never know if these shop owners appreciate people taking photos of their wares).
Jillian In Italy 
I CANNOT wait – what a fun find.
OMG I’m coming to Italy now.
Yes!
Qui però mi ci devi portare….SUBITO.
Dimmi quando vuoi! E propio un posto per te!
Hi there! Just stumbled across your blog and am enjoying reading your posts and looking at your pictures. I, too, live in northern Italy, speak English as my first language, and have three kids (twin boys and a girl, 2.5 and 4 months). I would love to know where this market is if you wouldn’t mind sharing! My friends and I just went to a couple of architectural salvage sites yesterday and this looks right up our alley. Grazie!
Hi Tara. Seems like we have quite a few things in common! You must have your hands full at the moment with all those little wee ones. I remember those years well! This is actually an “antiquario” and it’s located in between Castelletto Ticino and Arona on Lago Maggiore, I don’t know the name but I’ll try and find it for you. The prices are a bit ridiculous but maybe they’re willing to bargain a little. I’ll try and make a list of these sort of shops around here if you like (maybe you can for me as well!). Take care! J
Hi Jillian–ooh, I would love that. Thanks!! We went to a couple of places near around Verona yesterday; after we visit a few more, I’d be happy to add those to a list for you as well. I imagine an “antiquario” would have higher prices; I would love to find an antique market that isn’t so incredibly expensive! Sometimes, though, you can find a deal:) One of the places we went to yesterday is 10,000 square meters. The prices for some of the small, broken, crazy pieces were ridiculous, but then the prices on some of the huge, neat pieces of furniture were really reasonable. From these pics, it actually looks fairly similar with the major exception of the fact that this place was not at ALL organized…just stuff everywhere. And parts of it looked like hoarders (random stuff that you honestly couldn’t imagine anyone wanting). But it can be fun to dig! In any case, thanks for the reply and looking forward to digging into your blog a bit more when I’ve got the chance! 🙂