Central Sofia Market Hall, Covered market in central Sofia, Bulgaria
The Central Sofia Market Hall is a three-story commercial building with a Neo-Renaissance facade topped by a central clock tower featuring three separate time dials at its peak. The structure houses around 169 shops across its levels, selling everything from fresh food to clothing and household goods.
Architect Naum Torbov designed the building in 1907, with construction taking place between 1909 and 1911. It became Sofia's first major covered shopping venue and marked a turning point in the city's modern infrastructure.
The main entrance features a coat of arms relief created by artist Haralampi Tachev that represents Sofia's municipal identity. This symbol holds meaning for locals as a marker of civic pride and belonging.
The building is open daily from early morning to late evening, allowing visitors to shop at various times. The multi-level layout requires some navigation, but the mix of shops on each floor is well organized and easy to explore.
The basement level preserves archaeological remains from Roman Serdica, including sections of an ancient Thracian sanctuary near mineral springs. These historical layers beneath the modern market show how long this spot has served as a gathering place.
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