Description of the attraction
In the very center of Chania, there is the Municipal Market. At the end of the 19th century, this territory was the outskirts of the city, where the townspeople and residents of the immediate vicinity brought their goods for sale. We can say that it was a typical farmers' market.
In 1908, the municipality decided to improve the conditions for trade. In 1911, construction began on the covered Municipal Market, modeled on the covered market in Marseille (France). It is located on the site of a Venetian bastion platform, most of the walls of which were destroyed in order to improve the city's infrastructure. The new market occupied an area of 4000 sq. m. It was built in the shape of a cross and had four main entrances. The construction of the market was completed in 1913. The official opening of the market took place on December 4, 1913 by the Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos. In the eastern and western parts of the market meat was sold, the western part of the market was reserved for fish products, while vegetables and fruits were sold at the northern and southern ends of the market.
In May 1941, during the Second World War, the southeastern part of the market was thoroughly destroyed. During the German occupation, soldiers occupied the central arcades, which were adapted for the needs of the army. After the end of the war, restoration work was carried out.
Today the market has 76 stores, including vegetable, meat, cheese, fruit and, of course, fish stores. In the cozy restaurants located on the territory of the market, you can taste excellent Mediterranean cuisine, which traditionally abounds in various seafood delicacies. In small cafes you can take a break and have a cup of coffee, contemplating the bustle of the market, and then buy charming souvenirs in souvenir shops.
