On one side of the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo stands one of Florence’s most famous and sought-after statues, known by Florentines as “Il Porcellino” (“The Little Pig”).

In reality, the statue represents a wild boar and was created by the sculptor Pietro Tacca, a pupil of Giambologna. Ferdinando II de’ Medici had it placed beneath the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, requesting that it be transformed into a fountain so that, in addition to its decorative purpose, it could also serve a practical one: quenching the thirst of travelers, citizens, and the merchants of the Loggia.

Not everyone knows that Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish writer and poet famous for his fairy tales, was inspired by the Fountain of the Porcellino during a trip to Florence and wrote one of his tales, The Bronze Pig. The story begins as follows:

“In the city of Florence, not far from Piazza del Granduca, there is a side street which I believe is called Porta Rossa. Here, in front of a sort of vegetable stall, stands a beautifully crafted bronze pig. Fresh, clear water flows from the mouth of the animal, which, because of its age, has turned dark green, except for its snout, which shines as though freshly polished. This is due to the hundreds of children and poor people who grasp it in order to bring their mouths close to that of the animal and drink from it. It is like a little picture to see that beautiful bronze pig embraced by a graceful half-naked child pressing fresh little lips to its snout.

Anyone arriving in Florence can easily find the place; one need only ask the first beggar encountered about the ‘bronze pig,’ and it will surely be found.”

Later, the tale continues:

At midnight the pig moved, and the boy clearly heard it say:

“Little boy, hold on tight, we are leaving now!’

And indeed, off it went with the boy; it truly was a strange ride!”

Thus begins a magical journey through the most famous places in Florence, where they encounter the great artists of the past and their masterpieces, which in turn come to life.

Leaping from one fairy tale world into another, it is even more surprising to spot a replica of the Porcellino in scenes from two films of the Harry Potter saga: in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, in the entrance hall of Hogwarts School, and in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” – Part 2, inside the Room of Requirement.

The Coin Tradition

It is widely believed that touching the Porcellino’s nose brings good luck. However, for the wish to come true, after rubbing the nose one must place a coin in the animal’s mouth, letting it fall through the gaps in the grate below. Only the heavier coins, and therefore the more valuable ones, manage to slip through the grate. Since the offerings are donated to the Opera della Divina Provvidenza della Madonnina del Grappa, one can gladly accept… the little “toll.”

Let us visit and touch the snout of the “Porcellino”… IT BRINGS GOOD LUCK!