Italian Steps - Souvenirs - Cultural notes

Fact File

• Almost every town in Italy has its mercato delle pulci, flea market, where you can pick up a few inexpensive and unusual souvenirs. These outdoor markets vary in size and scale, and specialise in everything from food to furniture. Some of the biggest are in Rome - Porta Portese market is held on the first Sunday of every month, Via Sannio is open on weekdays, while Campagnano and Bracciano markets are held in places just outside the city.



• For slightly more expensive gifts, there is a wide selection of gioielleria, jewellery, available in good bigiotterie, jewellers, anywhere. Some of the more unusual pieces can be found in Oltrarno, Florence, which is cluttered with the oreficerie, artisan shops, of local gold and silversmiths. You'll find the glitzier jewellery shops around the Ponte Vecchio, many of which have been making jewellery since the 16th century.



• Antique lovers looking for antichità or antiquariato, antiques, should head to the various fiere dell'antiquariato, antique fairs, which take place at regular intervals in major towns. For example Lecce in Puglia is well known for its wrought iron and brass, and you can find books and reproductions in the many specialist shops throughout Florence.



• The Veneto region is famed for its glassware, particularly Murano crystal from Venice. From chandeliers to jewellery, all manner of shapes and objects are reproduced in the delicate colourful glass. If you visit the factories, you can also see the glass blowers at work.



• For fabrics, some of the most beautiful silk pieces can be found in Como, Lombardy. Italy produces 91% of all the silk produced in Europe, and the city of Como produces three quarters of this amount all by itself. You can visit the Museo Didattico della Seta, Silk Museum, but it's also possible to get silk and accessories at reduced prices at the many warehouse outlets.



• If you're travelling to Florence, leatherwork makes an ideal souvenir. Some of the best items are available to buy straight from the source at the Santa Croce Leather School, though you should expect prices to match the superb quality. Other specialist shops worth a visit in Florence include the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, an old-fashioned chemist's founded by monks in the 16th century. You can buy lotions, potions and herbal remedies, all wrapped in elegant packaging. You can also get exclusive high-class stationery at Pineider, the most exclusive stationer's in Italy. They designed calling cards for Napoleon, Byron and Maria Callas, among others.



• Ceramics and pottery are another popular souvenir. Orvieto in Tuscany and Deruta in Umbria produce work based on the medieval and renaissance designs, as well as the older Etruscan style pottery. Look out too for striking lava and earthenware pots in Catania, Sicily, alongside more modern designer plates by Sicilian craftsman De Simone.



• Food, of course, is a great way to remember your trip, and there are plenty of regional specialities that you'll be able to pack in your suitcase with no problem. Favourites include Gorgonzola from Lombardy, Parma ham, and Parmesan from Emilia-Romagna. You could also try wine from Chianti, panforte, the traditional sweet bread from Sienna, and marzipan from Sicily.