Centrālais tirgus
Centrālais tirgus (Central Market) is one of the most impressive buildings in Riga. Uncommonly giant pavilions are always full of people buying food.
These pavilions are just the beginning of the huge market which stretches far away.
I would recommend to visit market until the noon to feel the right atmosphere :)
See also another popular photo of pavilion.
Labels: buildings, canal, center, eclecticism, food, markets, panoramas, roofs, sights, streets, tramways
People Reaction (2)
Interesting detail is that these buildings were constructed around the steel structures of German Zeppelin hangars recovered after WWI in Courland (Kurzeme - the West-most part of Latvia).
At its completion the Market compound sported top grade and most up-to date equipment and facilities of its day.
Few will believe now, but before WWII the Republic of Latvia was well known internationally for its export of bacon and butter. For example, in 1938 it was No. 4 exporter of butter in Europe and No. 6 in the world!
Everything changed after Soviets occupied Latvia in 1940 and made it part of the USSR. In next 50 years people had to stand in long lines just to buy a piece of sausage or few bones called in Russian "Supnoy nabor" ("Soup set"), because the best parts of animal mostly were not available for sale in government run shops. There was even a joke about it - "Now they are using grenades to kill pigs, 'cause all that there is left to eat is heads and heels".
So the Market was one of the few places were under Communist rule people prosperous enough to do so could buy some decent food.
I have a picture from ww2 with the building on it.