Naschmarkt is the largest and most famous market of the Austrian capital. The "Belly of Vienna" as it is lovingly called by the Viennese has existed as such for already 100 years.

The market noted its worthy jubilee while being completely renovated.

In fact, the culinary centre of Vienna is much older. Since 1820 producers and traders of fruits and vegetables have been selling their wares at this location, which is close to the central Karlsplatz. Its name - Naschmarkt, is derived from the German verb "naschen" (eat, bite greedily) and is associated with numerous delicacies offered there, especially with exotic fruits like dates, figs, papaya.

The permanent stands in today's market startedbeing built up in 1910 and officially opened in 1916. Today, on the Naschmarktthere are 123 permanent and 35 temporary booths where you can find not only fruits and vegetables, but also all other types of sweets from around the world and small souvenirs. From the many stalls you can hear any speech - German, Turkish, Arabic, Polish, Russian ... There are also Bulgarian traders. Among the favourite products offered by them are the "Buffalo Heart" tomatoes and the Bulgarian cheese. 40 of the stands are small restaurants and cafes which are a favourite meeting place from Monday to Saturday.

Saturday is a special day, because then at the back part of the Naschmarkt there is a special place for second-hand goods. Anyone who wants to sell antiques, books and all sorts of other new or old goods, has to reserve a place at least six months in advance. At this colourful flea market you can find rare coins and absolutely useless utensils, but the walk through the junk is worth it, even if you do not buy anything. The narrow space is cluttered with all sorts of hangers, floor lamps, books, clothes. At the end of the market day, everything is put away and the great cleaningfollows. A few hours laterthere is no trace left of the enormous amounts of useless paper and junk that a flea market leaves behind.

The renovation of the Naschmarkt began in 2010. As the market stands are monuments of culture, their appearance has not changed. The works are carried out in stages in small sections so as not to hinder the trade. For six years the sewage and electrical installation have been entirely replaced. There has been new flooring and the market is now available for people with disabilities.

The text was provided by eurocomm.pr.
Photos: Naschmarkt 3: © Wien Tourismus /Christian Stemper