The Old and the Ancient

A regular event in the Malatesta village

For over thirty years, one Sunday a month, the historic center of San Giovanni in Marignano, in the hinterland of the Province of Rimini in Emilia-Romagna, changes its face and becomes the kingdom of treasure hunters. Il Vecchio e l'Antico is one of the longest-running and most popular antique markets in the Valconca: it is held every fourth Sunday of the month, except July and August, and attracts collectors, the curious, and simple strollers from all over the Romagna Riviera and the neighboring Marche region.

What to find among the stalls

The stalls, about eighty to ninety at each edition, wind along Via Vittorio Veneto and extend to Largo della Libertà, the Galleria Marignano, Via Ponti Ventena, and the Parco dei Tigli. The offer is extremely varied:

• furniture and genuine antique pieces;
• modern antiques and objects from the recent past;
• collectibles: vinyl records, vintage comics, postcards, coins, and curiosities;
• spare parts for vintage cars and motorcycles;
• tools and furnishings for gardens and vegetable patches;
• vintage clothing and small pieces of history.

The main market is often joined by a Flea Market, where individuals can also sell their own items: this is where the most curious bargains are made, haggling as per tradition.

The charm of the historic center

What makes Il Vecchio e l'Antico special is also the setting: the village of San Giovanni in Marignano, known as the "granary of the Malatesta", retains a medieval layout of walls, alleys, and small squares that provide the perfect backdrop for the stalls. Strolling among the stands also means discovering a town rich in history, just a few kilometers from Cattolica and the coast.

When to go

Admission is free and the hours are from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The market is organized by Promo D srl in collaboration with the Municipality of San Giovanni in Marignano and, weather permitting, is held punctually every month on the scheduled dates.