Ask any Florentine where to find good luck in this city, and the answer will almost always begin at a bridge or a fountain. Long before Florence became a byword for art and craftsmanship, its monuments had already acquired a second life as guardians of fortune — silent witnesses that generations of residents still turn to for a wish, a blessing, or simply a little reassurance before an important day.
Il Porcellino: the bronze boar that never stops giving
In the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo stands Il Porcellino, a bronze copy of a Hellenistic marble original, cast in the early 17th century. As detailed on its Wikipedia entry, the ritual is simple: rub its snout, place a coin on its tongue, and let it fall through the grate below. If the coin lands correctly, tradition promises your return to Florence — and a stroke of good fortune along the way.
Ponte Vecchio: a bridge that survived to bring luck to others
Florence’s oldest bridge is, in itself, a kind of talisman: it is the only bridge in the city that escaped destruction during the Second World War, reportedly spared on direct order. Walking its length at golden hour, past the jewellers’ workshops that have lined it since the 16th century, is considered by many Florentines an auspicious way to close the day.
This is part of a wider thread of Florentine luck and folklore — continue with the full guide to Florence’s lucky places and rites or the craft of the Florentine cornicello charm.
Frequently asked questions
How exactly should I use Il Porcellino for good luck?
Rub the boar’s snout with your right hand, then place a coin flat on its tongue. If the coin slides through the grate beneath the fountain, legend says you will return to Florence — and fortune will favour you in the meantime.
Is Ponte Vecchio associated with any particular legend?
Yes — beyond surviving wartime destruction intact, the bridge has long been linked to the goldsmiths who still trade there today, themselves considered custodians of prosperity in Florentine folklore.
Our concierge team is delighted to weave these landmarks into a private evening walk, timed to the light and the quiet hour when the city feels entirely your own.
Prefer a private route through this story instead? Our tailored private tours can be shaped around Florence’s folklore and hidden corners, paced and narrated for you specifically — or, if a bespoke itinerary isn’t what you need right now, the ready-made option below is a dependable alternative.
Continue the story in person: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is one of the best ways to see the art and history of Florence up close — and a practical choice if a fully custom itinerary isn’t in your budget this time.
Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.
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