Central Market Hall

Construction of the building, which spans more than 3,200 m², began in 1909 after architect Naum Torbov’s design was selected in 1907, and took two years to complete.

By the end of the 1940s, the Municipality leased about 170 shops and stalls. Rents and product quality are strictly regulated. The interior of the Hall building was significantly altered after the 1950s and the complex closed in 1988 to be reconstructed, modernized and re-opened at Easter 2000 after 75% of the complex was acquired by the Israeli company Ashtrom, which invested $7 million in it.

By July 2022, the Hall employs over 1,000 people, on three floors. The complex has food stalls and shops, clothing, accessories and jewelry shops, fast food stands, etc.

Architecture

The style of the building, which is considered Torbov’s best work, is Neo-Renaissance, also incorporating elements of Neo-Byzantine architecture and Neo-Baroque. The facade is famous for the relief of the coat of arms of Sofia above the main entrance, created by the artist Haralampi Tachev. The famous small clock tower with three dials is at the top of the building. The building was originally built with four entrances, but not all are in use today.

Central Market Hall is located in Sofia at 25 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd.

The Central Market Hall was built on the site of an extensive wooden building in which theater and circus performances were held after the Liberation.