Ljubljana Central Market
The Ljubljana Central Market is a market in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The riverside market building, sometimes referred to as Plečnik's Market, was designed by Jože Plečnik between 1931 and 1939. It stretches between the Triple Bridge and the Dragon Bridge, on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River. The marketplace and Vodnik Square, where it is located, are cultural monuments of national significance. It is partly located at Adamič and 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 had 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 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.
Since August 2021, the Ljubljana Central Market has been inscribed as part of Plečnik's legacy on the UNESCO World Heritage List.