This article was adapted from the original video published through her You Tube channel @texastomilandiyitaly

A Look-Back on One of My Most-Watched Episodes

It’s been over two years since I filmed my trip to Mercante in Fiera in Parma, and somehow, this episode is still going—over 46,000 views and counting. Apparently, I’m not the only one who enjoys a six-hour deep dive into antiques, vintage furniture, and random curiosities.

Since this year’s fair is in full swing from 8-16 March 2025, now seems like a good time to go back over that day—what I found, what I missed, and what I’d do differently if I go again.

If you’d like to visit yourself this year, here is the registration link. 

Getting There from Milan to Parma

My trip started at Stazione Centrale in Milan. The station itself is impressive—massive, intricate ceilings, the whole deal. I took the fast train to Parma, which, at 50 minutes, was much quicker than I expected. Not sure why I thought it would take longer, but good to know.

As soon as I got off the train, the fair was already in full swing. This is one of the biggest antique fairs in Europe, and people travel from all over to buy, sell, or just see what’s out there. I had a lot of ground to cover.

First Exhibit – Olivetti Typewriters

Before even getting to the main fair, there was an Olivetti exhibit near the entrance. Olivetti has been around since 1908, known for their typewriters, office machines, and more recently, tablets and smartphones. The design on these old typewriters was impressive—every key, every shape, all carefully thought out.

They’ve been featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, so clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks they look great.

Food Stop – Parma Does It Right

Parma is known for food, and the fair makes sure you don’t forget it. Right near the entrance, there were stalls selling cheese, meats, fresh pasta—everything you’d expect.

Since I knew the lines would be insane by lunchtime, I grabbed a quick panino for five euros and kept moving. No time to wait around when there are six buildings full of antiques to see.

Brace Yourself for Six Hours of Walking and Wading Through Treasure

Mercante in Fiera is spread across multiple halls, and every single one was packed. Furniture, silver, glassware, books, jewelry, vintage fashion—there wasn’t a theme beyond “old and interesting.”

A few things stood out:

• A perfect Art Deco lamp—no idea how I would’ve gotten it home, but I wanted it.
• Spanish military helmets and medieval locks—odd mix, but interesting.
• A tiny Fabergé-style egg—probably not real, but still impressive.
• Precision instruments and antique stamps—for anyone who collects that kind of thing.

Some dealers had so much stuff they were spilling out into the hallways. The scale of it was ridiculous.

A Tribute to Silver

One booth was entirely silverware—trays, teapots, candlesticks, salt cellars with cobalt blue inserts. Some things were surprisingly affordable (25 euros), while bigger pieces ran into the hundreds.

Then there was an antique folding screen with a hand-painted triptych. Another dealer had a round table with a stone inlay, pieced together like a mosaic with a small bird in the center.

Surprising Finds

Every time I thought I’d seen everything, something new popped up:

• A wrought iron rocking chair—hadn’t seen one of those before.
• Telescoping brass lamps—practical, well-designed.
• Hand-painted leather furniture—one chair was priced at 330 euros.

In Building Six, I hit the vintage fashion section. Some good stuff here—lace, handbags, gloves, a few Bottega Veneta purses. Not really my area, but still worth looking at.

Favorite Dealer – A Parisian with an Eye for Perfection

One booth stood out—a dealer from Paris selling antique opera glasses, fans, and miniature books. Some highlights:

• A silk fan priced at 2,200 euros—beautifully detailed.
• Tiny inch-tall books, most likely old prayer books.
• Mother-of-pearl opera glasses—the kind you’d expect in a 19th-century theater.

The whole setup was carefully curated, and everything was in near-perfect condition. Easy to see why this was one of the most popular booths.

Final Pieces and Clever Shopping

As I was leaving, a few last pieces caught my eye:

• Antique pharmacy bottles—always good.
• A massive gilded mirror for 500 euros—a solid price.
• Tall armoire cabinets for 750 each—not bad if you have the space.

One dealer had a smart setup—lining up all his furniture near the exit with clear price tags, making it easy for people to spot deals on the way out.

Why This Episode is Still a Favorite

Looking back, I get why this video is still one of my most-watched. The fair is huge, the variety is unmatched, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a serious collector or simply appreciate curiosities.

Check out the full video and subscribe to my channel here.