The history of the Gdańsk Market Hall – from the Middle Ages to today

The Market Hall in Gdańsk is a building that has combined commercial traditions with architectural and archaeological value for over one hundred and twenty years, symbolizing the continuity of urban life. However, its history stretches back much deeper than the late 19th century – it is, in fact, a story of a thousand years of Gdańsk trade.

As early as the 12th and 13th centuries, a trading settlement existed on the site of today’s Dominikański Square, where the Market Hall stands. At its center was the Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas and the church cemetery. In 1226, the land, along with the church, was transferred to the Dominican Order, who later built a monastery on the site. The monastery survived until the early 19th century, when it was almost completely destroyed by Russian-Prussian forces during the Siege of Gdańsk in 1813. For decades to come, the ruins of the Dominican monastery littered the square until they were completely demolished in 1839–1840. At the turn of the 19th century, the area came to life again – in 1881, a municipal marketplace was established here, the first attempt to regulate trade in the area after the demolition of the monastery.

The decision to build a covered hall was made in 1894. The city sought to reduce the chaos that reigned in street trading in the Old and Main Towns, so it was decided to concentrate merchants in one place. The design was developed by Gdańsk architect Kurt Fehlhaber. Construction took two years, and the grand opening took place on August 3, 1896. The interior of the hall was filled with 188 wooden stalls, adjacent to restrooms, administrative offices, and a police station. Trade bustled here six days a week, with the busiest days being Wednesdays and Saturdays. Outside, the so-called Green Market operated – an open-air fruit and vegetable market.

During the interwar period and in the 1940s, the building underwent some simplifications. Some architectural details, including decorative turrets and cupolas, were removed from the facade, and a mezzanine was added along the western wall. During World War II, the hall served as a food warehouse. Although it found itself in a front-line zone in March 1945, it survived the conflict with only minor damage.

The history hidden beneath the bricks

After the war, the building continued to serve as a commercial space. It was managed by state-owned enterprises, and merchants from various parts of Pomerania traded within its interiors. In 1999, architectural research began, which preceded a major renovation. Renovation work was carried out between 2001 and 2005, restoring the facades to their former glory and recreating lost details. During the work, relics of the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas were discovered – fragments of the chancel, nave, and cemetery. It was decided to preserve these finds and make them available to the public, creating an archaeological open-air museum in the hall’s basement, today known as the Romanesque Cellar.

In 2005, the renovated building reopened to residents and tourists. Since then, the Market Hall has remained one of the few buildings in Gdańsk that has continued to serve its original commercial purpose. Its distinctive architecture—a blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance elements, with brick facades, large windows, and cast-iron pillars—makes it one of the most interesting turn-of-the-century monuments in the city.

In January 2025, the next phase of the hall’s revitalization, carried out by the Apsys group, began. The project’s budget, approximately PLN 141 million, aims to preserve its historic character while modernizing its functions. The plan calls for not only the renovation of the historic structure but also the creation of a food hall, where, alongside traditional stands, there will be dining options, cultural events, and seasonal terraces.

What makes this place special

Today, the Gdańsk Market Hall is one of the symbols of everyday life in Gdańsk – a place where the history of trade meets the modern rhythm of the city. It’s a space where you can not only buy fresh produce but also experience the spirit of old Gdańsk, literally standing on layers of history dating back to the Middle Ages.

• Continuing function: The Market Hall is the only building of its kind in Gdańsk that still serves its original purpose – a place of trade.
• Archaeology underfoot: In the hall’s basement, beneath the Green Market Square, relics of the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Nicholas were discovered – fragments of the chancel and nave, which are now part of the Archaeological Museum’s exhibition.
• A multi-dimensional space: not only food retail, but also clothing stands, services, and stalls – with planned changes to expand this offering.

Revitalization and plans for the future

The Market Hall is currently undergoing further renovations, a revitalization project that aims to restore and enhance its historic character while adapting it to contemporary needs.

More information about the revitalization and future plans can be found here: Gdańsk Market Hall