When visiting Riga one should take the time to make a trip to the central market. Here you will find local produce, well priced, well displayed and well stocked. There are many familiar products on offer as well as some rather curious ones such as hemp butter and smoked Lamprey.
The history of the central market goes back to the turn of the 20th century when Riga was under the control of Imperial Russia. The city elders had discussed the need for a grand central market that could be developed around the area once used as the main harbour of the city. With the start of the First World War the plans for the market were put to one side and they would not be picked up again until after the Great War and the War of Independence that soon followed.
By the early 1920's Riga had begun to rebuild itself after 6 years of conflict in the Latvian region and it was around the end of 1922 that the beginning of the central markets development took place with June of 1924 being the beginning for construction. It was decided that old Zeppelin hangars that had been left in the western region of Latvia after the First World War could be used as the main structural supports for the markets roofing. In total, 5 pavilions were constructed and around 6 million bricks were used. It would take over 6 years to complete and was hailed as an engineering and architectural masterpiece throughout Europe.
When it was opened it was one of Europe's largest covered markets and the people of Riga were proud of this fact. It placed Riga back on the map as a major trading and commercial city and the years to follow were considered some of the best economical years for the city.
Today the markets can still be enjoyed. Visit the Meat, Milk, Bread, Fruit and Vegetable and Fish pavilions to make your stay in Riga a memorable one. If you do shop there you will also be helping the local economy as many of the major supermarket chains import food from outside and are also foreign owned, so locals will thank you for supporting their stalls and their farmers.
If you are coming to Riga and want to get more out of the city try a Riga city tour Riga city tour. Why not try a Riga Food Tasting Tour? With a local city guide you have much more opportunity to get a true picture of Riga. A Riga city tour is also a great way to get your bearings around the city and make the most out of a short break in Riga http://www.eatriga.lv.
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