Ljubljana Central Market


The Ljubljana Central Market in the capital of Slovenia was designed by Jože Plečnik in 1931–39. The market building stretches between the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, on the right side of the curve of the Ljubljanica River. The market and Vodnik Square, which it is located at, are cultural monuments of national significance. It is partly situated at Adamič–Lunder Embankment and at Pogačar Square.

History

The 1895 earthquake destroyed an old monastery with a diocesan college for girls. After the damaged building was removed, Vodnik Square provided a venue for an outdoor market. The present market building, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik, was built between 1940 and 1942 by Matko Curk's company. It originally extended on an area of.
The design of the complex reflects Renaissance influences. It was conceived as a two-storey market hall following the curve of the river. On the side overlooking the river the market halls have large semi-circular windows, while the street side is defined by a colonnade. In order to provide views of the river, the building is interrupted with two open-columned loggias. The roof is covered with massive concrete tiles.
Plečnik planned to fill the middle gap between the market halls with a monumental covered bridge to connect to the Petkovšek Embankment, but his design was never built. His plans for a bridge were finally fulfilled in July 2010 when the newly designed Butchers' Bridge was inaugurated.

Market

The market is open daily except Sundays. It has a flower market at the junction of Pogačar Square and Vodnik Square, a fish market and dried fruit on the lower level of the market hall and bakery, dairy and meat stalls on both levels. The colonnade at the Triple Bridge end provides shelter for stalls selling herbs, spices, and arts and crafts.

Legal status

From October 2008, the market was provisionally protected by the Slovenian Ministry of Culture under Vasko Simoniti as a cultural monument of national importance. The decree was annulled by his successor Majda Širca in February 2009. In March 2012, the protection at the state level was reenacted by Žiga Turk for one year with the protection of the Vodnik Square Archaeological Site. It has been disputed by the City Municipality of Ljubljana, aiming to build a parking garage under it, since June 2012 at the Slovenian Constitutional Court. The protection has been endorsed by the We Don't Give the Market civil initiative.