Friday farmers market (La Lizza)

The Friday farmers market at La Lizza is a small producers' market in Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy, held in the park area just outside the historic centre. It is far smaller than the Wednesday general market held nearby and focuses on food rather than clothing or household goods. Local growers and small producers from the Sienese countryside sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, pecorino cheese in several ageing stages, cured meats, olive oil and honey, and the offering shifts with the harvest calendar, with greens and root vegetables in winter, and tomatoes, stone fruit and figs in summer. Because stallholders are producers rather than resellers, the share of authentic local food is high, and there are essentially no tourist trinkets. This makes the market a good source of edible souvenirs such as a wedge of aged pecorino, a bottle of extra virgin olive oil or a jar of local honey, although vacuum packing should be requested for cheese and meat that will travel. Prices are typically fair and posted or quoted directly. Bargaining is not part of the culture at a farmers market, and asking for a discount on produce is considered poor etiquette, although vendors often offer a taste before purchase and may round the total down. Payment is mostly in cash, and card acceptance varies by stall, so small euro notes are useful. Visitors from outside the European Union should note that tax-free refunds apply to purchases from participating retailers with proper paperwork and not to market stalls. Hours are given as Friday mornings and should be confirmed locally before visiting, since small markets can change days or finish early. The atmosphere is quiet and local, with residents doing their weekly shopping rather than tour groups. The layout is a short row of stalls, and the whole market can be browsed in well under an hour. There is no dedicated food court, but bars and cafes near La Lizza and the walls serve coffee, pastries and sandwiches, and fresh fruit from the stalls makes an easy snack. Travellers staying in an apartment with a kitchen will find it a convenient place to buy ingredients.