The markets are the heart of the city. They also help you understand what is in season and what to look for on the menus.
There are several larger food markets and some other weekly markets in the neighborhoods as well as antiques and flea markets. The markets were built 

Florence  Markets

Florence was the capital of Italy when the country was united in the 1800's. The first capital was Torino, where the King lived,the in 1865, it moved to Florence. To prepare, they tore down most of the walls of the city and built large boulevards.

The old ghetto of the city was cleaned up and they built two markets, the third was to be in San Frediano area.

Mercato San Lorenzo

Sant'Ambrogio Market

Mercato delle Cure