Ljubljana’s Central Market is not merely an architectural achievement: it is one of the most enjoyable places in the capital city to find all the country’s typical agricultural products, along with craft items and paintings, surrounded by stalls selling traditional foods, where you can try some of Ljubljana’s most popular specialities.
The context and history of the capital’s most important market
Since medieval times, Ljubljana has been a place where farmers and merchants have gathered to sell their products. To begin with, these gatherings did not have a fixed location, and took place in some of the city’s squares, but the Slovenian capital’s economic expansion meant that the authorities had to find a larger site where those arriving with their merchandise could take shelter.
So, in the twentieth century, the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik took on the task of building a market for Ljubljana. A former monastery near the river was the chosen site; it had once been a school for young girls, but now it was virtually in ruins, allowing Plečnik to work his magic. And so in 1942, this impressive building in the heart of the old town opened. It has huge arcades that overlook the river Ljubljanica and a bridge to connect the two parts of the market, known as the Butchers’ Bridge. This spot is very famous with visitors, due to its fantastic views.
This infrastructure, one of the best loved in Ljubljana, is an architectural jewel created by Plečnik that exhibits all his characteristic features: classic elements such as columns, a metal structure that fits in harmoniously with the setting, and balconies and terraces where people can enjoy the city.
How to get to the Central Market
The best way to get to the Central Market, which is close to the river Ljubljanica, is to walk through the pedestrianised area of Ljubljana’s old town. In fact, from Plečnik Square, it only takes a few minutes to reach the market’s main entrance. The same is true of the city’s other main attractions, such as the Castle, from which a pleasant, 15-minute walk takes you through the heart of Ljubljana.
You could also catch a bus, as there are several stops just a few minutes away, or you could hire a bicycle from the service that enables visitors to tour the city on two wheels.
What you can find in this attractive market with its own cultural life
Among the host of stalls that open their doors every morning in the Central Market, you can find every product that is typical of Slovenia, as stallholders from every region of the country carry on the tradition of bringing their produce to sell in the city.
But you will also find tropical fruits, different kinds of bread, flowers, items for the garden, and even stalls selling some of the finest craft items and souvenirs of Ljubljana.
Under the arches of the market, you will also find stalls selling typical food of Ljubljana, that you can enjoy there and then among the animated bustle that develops in the market’s passages and terraces.
The Central Market also has a very important cultural calendar, with fairs, talks and events during national festivals, and during Ljubljana’s own festivals. At Christmas, the market becomes one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of the Slovenian capital.
Markets and street markets in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is famous for the numerous markets and street markets held in its various squares and on the riverbank. Although the city also has major shopping centres, you won’t want to miss some of these stalls whose goods can include genuine treasures.
One of the most important open-air street markets, held every Sunday, is the antiques market, where you can find treasures from the former Yugoslavia. There are also artistic finds and even furniture that can be rescued and restored.
But this is not the only market to be held in the centre of Ljubljana, as every Saturday from May until late October, from 9.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m., an art market takes place where you can find all kinds of works of art, the majority by local artists. It is also an excellent place for alternative shopping.
And at Christmas, Ljubljana is transformed with its Christmas markets that are set up in the squares of the old town, and which, from the 3rd of December until the 2nd of January, are open until 10.00 p.m. so that you can enjoy their gastronomic and artistic traditions.
