Saint-Petersburg's Hay Market

The "Haymarket" market of St. Petersburg is known to many according to the novel "Crime and Punishment" by F.M. Dostoevsky. It was near this place that Rodion Raskolnikov lived. And although the modern market at Sennaya Square is no longer similar to the one in the days of which the heroes of the great Russian writer lived, he will always be associated with Dostoyevsky's epoch and his brilliant literary work.

History of the Sennoy Market

The senate market appeared in 1737 under Empress Anna Ioannovna. At that time, the construction of Haymarket Square, which is one of the oldest sights of St. Petersburg, was started. A year earlier, near the Palace Square , the "Marine" market was destroyed by fire, and it was decided to move the trade away from the center. In those days the main street of the capital - Nevsky Prospekt - was called the Great Promising Road. On the outskirts of the city (south of it) was a free wooded area. To create a new market square, it was perfect.

The name of the square and the market is due to the fact that initially wood, straw and hay were traded in this place. The most popular among buyers was the last product, which gave the place the name - Sennaya Square. Also, from the market to Nevsky Prospekt was laid Sennaya Street, which was later renamed Sadovaya, and to the south was built a road leading to Moscow, Kiev and Tsarskoe Selo. Therefore, Sennaya Ploshchad was associated with many people with the "senes" of St. Petersburg.

The beginning of trading in the "Senna" market

Since that time, a lot of retail space has been built in St. Petersburg, but the "Hay market" is the most popular for any St. Petersburger. Its address is indicated in any guidebook, for guests of the Northern capital it is known as a tourist attraction and an advantageous place for shopping.

In the XVIII century, peasants came to the "Haymarket" market in order to trade hay, straw, fish, meat, vegetables and butter. At the beginning of the 19th century, other products were already selling here with might and main. In the spring period, the sale of flowers and trees began. By the end of the XIX century, Sennaya Ploshchad became a popular place, so its improvement became topical. In the years 1883-1886 four food buildings were built. In the 90s of the 20th century the "Haymarket" market consisted of endless trading stalls.

"Haymarket" market today

Before the celebration of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the market square was reconstructed. The territory has acquired a pleasant appearance. Trees were planted, an unknown kind of stalls disappeared, and beautiful shopping pavilions were built in their place. Currently, you can find anything from a wide range of food products, vegetables, fruits, meat and fish to household goods, fashion and footwear.

The "Haymarket" market is still popular among the local population and visitors of the city. Several tens of thousands of people a day visit it. Today, trade pavilions attract buyers not only with affordable prices, but also with high-quality goods, as well as daily inspections conducted by the market administration together with sanitary services.

How to get to the "Haymarket" market?

"Haymarket" market is located in St. Petersburg at Moscow Avenue, house 4, lit. A. The nearest metro stations are Sennaya Ploshchad, Spasskaya and Sadovaya. On foot you can walk to the stations "Nevsky Prospekt" and "Gostiny Dvor".

Opening hours of the "Haymarket" market - from 08.00 to 20.00 without days off. In addition to the metro, the market can be reached by public or private transport. Visitors to the retail area can park their car in a convenient parking lot. Lovers of shopping have the opportunity to spend a whole day at the Haymarket Square, as all conditions have to it. Near the market there is a large shopping complex, where you can also make purchases, visit a cinema and satisfy hunger in a restaurant or cafe.