Fruits and flowers at a farmers ' market in Aix-en-Provence
There is no better place to practise mindful travel than in the rich array of markets that are found throughout Europe . Their sights , sounds , smells , tastes , and textures capture the heart and soul of a place .
Markets have served as communal gathering places for centuries . From Istanbul ’ s massive Grand Bazaar , now encompassing sixty-one covered streets , to the small winding laneways of France ’ s Provençal villages , markets originated in medieval times and continue to be an essential part of social and economic development . Since the twelfth century when farmers and craftsmen would come to the nearest town to sell their wares or engage in bartering agreements , until the more modern construction of stylish centralized halls , markets have traced the evolution of a community .
Bolzano , in the South Tyrol , long served as a market town to provide goods to the traders crossing the alpine passes between northern Europe and the Mediterranean . In Split , Croatia , a green market has stood beneath the walls of Diocletian ’ s Palace for centuries . In towns and cities across Europe , from the Baltic Hanseatic trade centres to the Moorish-influenced souks of southern Spain , UNESCO-recognized historical city cores have been developed by encircling a market square with ecclesiastical , government , and commercial buildings .
As city governments worked to improve the food supply with more formalized wholesale and retail networks , as well as better health and safety standards , they constructed new architecturally glorious market halls such as Budapest ’ s Nagyvásárcsarnok Great Market Hall and Valencia ’ s stunning Art Nouveau Mercat Central . Cities have also repurposed disused buildings . London ’ s Camden Market sprawls through a yellow-brick warren of old industrial buildings . Riga ’ s Market is located in four decommissioned Zeppelin hangars . Lisbon ’ s Mercado da Rebeira hosts a cluttered classic market in one half and a futuristic culinary showpiece in the other .
Markets embody the identifying traits of a region — the glory of the countryside , the pride in native cuisine , and the craftsmanship of local artisans . Markets showcase the fresh and seasonal offerings of the harvest . Fresh fruits and vegetables , cheeses , wines , and honeys derive their subtle flavours from the terroir , the growing conditions unique to a region . It is a delight to watch the local chefs plan their menus based on what flavourful ingredients are available : freshly caught fish , perfectly trimmed steaks , and newly picked herbs , nuts , and vegetables . Also fun to watch are the daily patrons who come to indulge in the choicest fruit and the juiciest gossip .
The Pazar Green Market in Split , Croatia
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