Italy’s many charming antique fairs and flea markets have long drawn collectors and enthusiasts eager to uncover rare vintage finds. Igor Honkanen, a veteran collector, restorer and sometime dealer, is one of them.
“Yeah, sure, it’s my business, but it’s also a passion and a hobby for me. I love it,” Honkanen beams.
Originally from Finland and now based in Orvieto, Honkanen regularly combs through Italy’s markets, fairs and bazaars with spot-on precision. His current role as a self-described “retiring” conservator seems fated when you look back at his path. Before coming to Italy to study textile conservation, he had a career in Finnish film as a costume designer. Eventually he landed a coveted position at the conservation workshop of Rome’s Quirinale, where he was part of a team responsible for reorganizing the palace’s large collection of tapestries. He went on to become an antique textile researcher for museums and also worked with various private collectors around the globe.
(You might say the man knows his way around an Italian market.)
Armed with Honkanen’s tips, even those of us with untrained eyes can identify valuable, characterful pieces. In the end, successful scavenging at an Italian market comes down to strategy, timing and a little bit of good fortune.
Do’s and don’ts of shopping at Italian flea markets and antique fairs
Do get there early. If you’re serious about bagging the best stuff, Honkanen recommends arriving just as the market begins to wake up. “In the mornings, vendors are just laying out their wares — offering you first crack at their freshest acquisitions,” he points out.
Do bring cash, particularly for purchases under €150. While bigger ticket items like fine art and furniture can usually be paid with a credit card, cash is still king.
Do stay alert. Because markets tend to be crowded — especially on weekends — be aware of your surroundings. Secure money and valuables safely in a zipper front pocket or compartment.
Don’t be in a hurry. If the price doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about a piece, resist the pressure to commit. Tell the seller you want to think it over, then take a stroll around to compare similar items and their prices. Survey the landscape — not just once, but twice. Take a lunch break or grab a cup of coffee and mull over your options before committing to a purchase.
Do snap a photo of a potential buy that includes a recognizable landmark, so you will be able to find the same stand later. Try to be discreet as you do this, though — some vendors may assume you’re snapping photos to post rather than to evaluate a purchase. It can be a source of frustration for them.
Do inspect an object carefully before you buy. Assess the condition, weight and quality of materials. Check hinges, look for damage and test that everything works properly (don’t be shy about asking for an old lamp to be plugged in). Beyond the scenery, community and fresh air, this is the great benefit of an in-person market — the luxury of seeing pieces firsthand rather than from behind a computer screen.
Don’t lead with price. Honkanen advises steering clear of money talk at the outset. Instead, inquire about a piece — where it’s from, how old it is and whether there’s a story behind it. “Markets are full of fairy tales, so don’t take everything at face value,” Honkanen says. Show a healthy measure of skepticism and use common sense when processing the information you receive.
Do keep your enthusiasm in check. If a seller senses that you’re too eager, expect the price to soar. Resist the urge to gush; instead play it cool and aloof. After all, even at Italy’s secondhand markets, rules of supply and demand don’t go out the window.
Do show genuine interest. Inquire about other pieces in a vendor’s collection as well as what they’re priced at. Engaging in friendly conversation could prove handy when (and if) it comes time to haggle.
Don’t bother with Googling. Unless you’re intending to purchase sizable furnishings or major artworks (likely not found at your average flea market), internet research beforehand or onsite is rarely worth your time and effort.
Do consider attending large-scale antique fairs and shows such as Mercanteinfiera, Parma’s twice-yearly event. The largest antiques show in Europe, it brings together around 1,000 stalls across three vast hangars. Open to the general public, the next edition will take place in fall 2026.
Don’t expect miracles. Most masterpieces and museum-quality finds have already been picked through by professional dealers before they ever reach the market. No, you’re not going to find a forgotten Leonardo painting for €500; yes, you might find something one-of-a-kind.
And finally, do buy what you love. Honkanen says he never follows trends or fleeting fashions. “I look for things that are attractive to me technically and visually,” he adds. “If you can’t live without a piece, take it home with you.” Trusting your instincts is usually what leads to the pieces you will cherish long-term.
More of Igor Honkanen’s wisdom was recently featured in the Florence & Beyond issue of Bellissimo, which featured a piece on the Arezzo antique market. Become a Premium Member of Italy Magazine to read it.
