France: Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, market hall

The market hall is an example of Norman medieval architecture and dates back to the 11th century. It was originally used by the Benedictine monks of the local abbey to sell their goods.

The market hall is 70 meters long and 20 meters wide and is among the largest halls in France. The structure was listed as a historical monument the 6 March 1889. The hall was completely destroyed by fire during the German withdrawal from the area in the summer of 1944 and was restored and inaugurated in 1949 in accordance with medieval construction techniques.

Nowadays the market hall still retains its commercial vocation by hosting the authentic Monday morning market and several annual fairs.