When I was getting my Florence-themed charm bracelet, a pig statue caught my eye, and I ended up talking to the jeweller about it: the representation of Il Porcellino.
I hadn’t had the chance to see the boar statue yet, and I didn’t know its significance. After a chat with the jeweller, I decided to buy the charm, and immediately set out to check out the statue. Il Porcellino is a staple of Florence—people flock to it because if the myth that it brings good luck. It also predicts whether patrons will be back to Florence soon. All you need is a coin!
The History
The statue’s name translates roughly into “piglet”, but the statue depicts a full-grown boar.
The statue that lives in the piazza is actually a copy—like David, the copy is available for public consumption for free, but the original sits in a gallery. The Uffizi Gallery houses the original, which is made of marble instead of bronze. It was commissioned as a gift for the last Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de’ Medici, from the Pope at the time (Pio IV). In 1612, Cosmio II de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, commissioned the bronze copy.
The bronze statue was originally a working fountain, but the wear and tear caused by running water was deteriorating the statue. In 1857 a new base was created. From my understanding, this is when the water was turned off. However, the grate remained, which is important for the custom!
The Custom of Il Porcellino
This is the tradition that was explained to me by a local jeweller. I have seen different customs circulating online, but this is how a local told me how to proceed!
There are two steps to the boar statue: First, you rub the nose for good luck.
Second, you take a coin and put it in the boar’s mouth. The mouth is sloped, so it’ll fall out almost immediately.
If it falls into the grate that used to catch the fountain water, you’re in luck. That means that you will return to Florence soon!
…Mine didn’t. So I guess I can’t go back now? Tragic.
I’m kidding of course; but it was a fun little ritual to participate in. If you’re in the Piazza del Mercato Nuevo, I’d suggest checking it out!
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