100th Anniversary of the Vienna Naschmarkt
Celebrate with us!
Called the “stomach of Vienna,” the Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest market. This name is probably one hundred percent accurate and has been for a hundred years already. In recent years, numerous restaurants that invite you to stop and enjoy have set up shop next to the market stands. On September 2 and 3, 2016, the 100th anniversary will be celebrated.
Naschmarkt at about 1900 (c) Marktamtsmuseum
A brief history of the Naschmarkt
Starting in 1780, on the right bank of the then-unregulated Wien River outside of the city walls, there was a farmers’ market that primarily dealt in dairy products. The most popular of Vienna’s markets was based on the “Aschenmarkt,” first mentioned in 1791, located between the Freihaus district and Wienfluss. The milk pail made of ash wood and used to carry milk was described as “Asch” (ash). At the end of the 18th century, the fruit stands from the Freyung and Burgtor moved to this part of town. The “Naschmarkt” grew and grew, becoming ever more true to its name, which it received officially in 1905. After the regulation of the Vienna River as well as the superstructure built by Otto Wagner, the Naschmarkt was moved to the place where it now stands. The stands, designed back then by Friedrich Jäckel and still typical today, opened in 1916. Around 600 merchants occupied their new “Standln” back then.
Where the flea market is now held on Saturdays was once a great market hall that was torn down after the Inzersdorf Grossmarkt opened up in 1972.
Today, the Naschmarkt (incidentally comfortably within walking distance of the Schick Hotel Erzherzog Rainer) presents itself as a melting pot between cultures. Around 2.3 hectares in size, it is the city’s largest market and extends from the Getreidemarkt all the way to Kettenbrückengasse.
The first restoration work on the Naschmarkt buildings commenced in 1993 and went on for five years. The Naschmarkt was restored once again between 2010 and 2015. Today, there are 123 fixed stands and 35 places for traveling merchants. 38 of the fixed stands are used for gastronomy. All sorts of delicacies and specialties from all different countries, together with visitors from all over the world, make for international flair. You can look, taste, talk, barter, buy, photograph – and enjoy many international delicacies in the shops located there.
100 years Naschmarkt – Festivities (c) Marktamtsmuseum
The 100th anniversary is being celebrated…
… and on a grand scale: on September 2, 2016, from 2:00 – 10:00 PM and on September 3, 2016, from 12:00 – 10:00 PM, near the Schleifmühlbrücke and at selected places along the Naschmarkt.
The numerous activities taking place on these two days range from musical performances to readings, theater and acrobatics, to cooking shows and tastings all the way to raffles and even a brioche braiding competition. Austrian musical greats such as Harri Stojka, Boris Bukowski and others are on the program.
All stand operators and responsible persons are participating in the celebration and offer guests the largest, most generous celebration that has even been offered here.
More detailed info on the program can be found on the Facebook page “Wir lieben den Naschmarkt” (“We Love the Naschmarkt”).
Therefore:
Pencil it in, schedule it, then let’s go to the Vienna Naschmarkt’s 100th anniversary celebration!
Data and image sources: © Marktamtsmuseum – www.marktamt.wien.at
Many thanks for the kind support!
