As you travel through Puglia, you’ll quickly notice: the past lives on here in every stone, every tile, every terracotta pot. The region breathes history, not only through its whitewashed towns and ancient olive groves, but also through the charming antique markets that fill its piazzas each month with treasures from bygone times.
From refined jewelry to rustic furniture and vintage mirrors, every find tells a story. And within easy reach of La Villa Magnifica, you can explore some of the most enchanting markets in southern Italy.
Ostuni – Antiques Among the Olive Trees
(approx. 15 minutes from La Villa Magnifica)
The Ostuni antique market is a delightful surprise. Rather than taking place in the famous centro storico, it’s held just outside the old town — in a leafy park where locals sip cappuccinos on Sunday mornings while browsing the stalls.
Here you’ll find stacks of aged terracotta pots, characterful jewelry, and furniture with a soul. Sometimes you stumble upon a piece you didn’t know you were looking for — a weathered mirror, a marble figurine, or a set of antique keys that once opened a Puglian masseria.
The atmosphere is relaxed, filled with the gentle hum of traders, the aroma of espresso, and the soft morning light filtering through the trees.
Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through Ostuni’s white alleys, a perfect way to spend a charming Sunday morning.
- When: Every second Sunday of the month, in the morning
- Where: Just outside the historic centre, near Porta San Demetrio
Carovigno – Small, charming and full of character
(approx. 13 minutes from La Villa Magnifica)
A little further down the road lies Carovigno, a village full of charm and character. Its lovely small antique market takes place every fourth Sunday of the month. Known as Antiqua, the market stretches along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, right in the heart of the village.
You’ll find antique furniture, vintage decorations, collectibles, and even some surprising design pieces from the 1960s and ’70s. Around forty vendors set up their stalls, just enough to make for a delightful hour of browsing.
Tip: Pair your visit with an aperitivo on the main square or lunch in one of Carovigno’s cozy restaurants near the castle.
- When: Every fourth Sunday of the month, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Carovigno
Ceglie Messapica – Tradition with spirit
(approx. 34 minutes from La Villa Magnifica)
In Ceglie Messapica, a town famous for its culinary tradition, antique lovers will find plenty of inspiration too. Every fourth Sunday of the month, Piazza Plebiscito comes alive with a vibrant mix of traders, locals, and curious visitors.
Among the stalls, you’ll discover copper pans, old books, porcelain dinnerware, and handcrafted lamps – pieces that perfectly suit a refined Puglian home.
Tip: Combine the market with lunch at one of Ceglie’s renowned trattorias, where you can taste the region’s best orecchiette con cime di rapa.
- When: Every fourth Sunday of the month
- Where: Piazza Plebiscito, Ceglie Messapica
A route full of stories
From the leafy park in Ostuni to the lively village square of Carovigno, Puglia’s antique markets offer much more than beautiful finds. They are places of connection — time capsules that quietly tell the story of the region’s rich past.
Each market has its own unique character, yet all share the same blend of authenticity, warmth, and charm. And the best part? From La Villa Magnifica, they are all just a short drive away — perfect for a relaxed Sunday full of discovery.
Antique market Ostuni
Quick Overview
| Town | When | Location | Distance from La Villa Magnifica | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ostuni | 2nd Sunday of the month | Park near Porta San Demetrio | ~15 min | Lively, lots of ceramics and furniture |
| Carovigno | 4th Sunday of the month | Corso Vittorio Emanuele | ~13 min | Village charm, small and cozy |
| Ceglie Messapica | 4th Sunday of the month | Piazza Plebiscito | ~34 min | Vibrant, authentic, local flair |
