Mercatino dell'Antiquariato Historical Timeline

Origins

The market was founded in 1970 by the Associazione Espositori dell'Antiquariato (Association of Antiques Exhibitors), which still organizes it today, and has used the same style of wooden display modules since that first edition.

Turning points

The square itself carries its own older history: the church of San Maurizio at its center was rebuilt in 1806 by Giannantonio Selva, the architect of Teatro La Fenice, who was himself buried there in 1819.

Influential people

Before its deconsecration, the church also once housed a young Antonio Canova's studio, tying the square to one of the defining sculptors of Neoclassicism well before it became known for its antiques market.

Cultural evolution

The former church now operates as a museum dedicated to Baroque Venetian music, with ties to Antonio Vivaldi and other composers of the period, adding another layer of cultural history to the same square where the market sets up.

Present-day significance

More than fifty years after its founding, the market remains one of Venice's most established recurring antiques fairs, drawing collectors specifically for pieces from the 1600s through the 1900s rather than general souvenirs.