Athens - Market Hall

Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.
Construction of the market hall, which was intended to replace the old bazaar from the Turkish period on the site of Hadrian's Library, began in 1878. After a major fire destroyed the old market in 1884, the building was inaugurated in 1886.

Until the 1970s, the market hall was an important trading center for the wholesale and retail trade in food. This importance shifted in the retail trade to large supermarkets. Nevertheless, the market remains well attended.