The former food market, built in 1911, was one of the earliest of this type in the country. Fully renovated in the late 1990s, it is once again closed for reconstruction. Apparently it has been acquired by German supermarket chain 'Kaufland', we just hope that they will treat the building with the respect it deserves.
The ornate facade - which incorporates Byzantine and mediaeval Bulgarian architectural elements - has alternating layers of stone and brick, large window niches and a high central arch above that is the city coat of arms topped by a small clock tower. Long before the 'Hali' was built, archaeological excavations show that the site served as a gathering and market place dating back thousands of years. In the basement are archaeological remains, including Roman baths and parts of Serdica’s fortress wall. Architect Nahum Torbov