The "hay" market of St. Petersburg is known to many for 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 during which the heroes of the great Russian writer lived, however, it will always be associated with the era of Dostoevsky and his ingenious literary work.
History of the Hay Market
The hay market appeared in 1737 under the Empress Anna Ivanovna. At that time, the construction of Sennaya Square, which is one of the oldest attractions in St. Petersburg, was begun.
A year earlier, the Marine Market was destroyed by fire near the Palace Square, and it was decided to move trade away from the center. In those days, the main street of the capital - Nevsky Prospect - was called the Great Promising Road. On the outskirts of the city (south of it) was a free wooded area. It was ideally suited to create a new market square.
The name of the square and the market is due to the fact that initially in this place they traded firewood, straw and hay. The most popular among buyers was the last product that gave the place its name - Sennaya Square. Also, Sennaya Street was laid from Nevsky Prospekt to the market, which was then renamed Sadovaya, and a road leading to Moscow, Kiev and Tsarskoye Selo was built to the south. Therefore, Sennaya Square was associated among many people with the peculiar "senies" of St. Petersburg.
Beginning of trading in the Haymarket
Since then, many retail spaces have been built in St. Petersburg, but the Sennaya market is the most popular for any Petersburger. His address is indicated in any guidebook, for guests of the Northern capital it is famous as a tourist attraction and a profitable place for shopping.
In the 18th century, peasants came to the Haymarket to trade hay, straw,
fish, meat, vegetables, and oil. At the beginning of the 19th century, other products were sold with might and main here. In the spring, the sale of flowers and trees began. By the end of the 19th century, Sennaya Square became a popular place, so its beautification became relevant. In the years 1883-1886 four food buildings were built. In the 90s of the XX century, the "Haymarket" market consisted of endless stalls.
Hay 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, stalls of an incomprehensible form disappeared, and beautiful trading pavilions were built in their place. Nowadays, you can find anything here - from a wide range of food products, vegetables, fruits, meat and fish to household goods, fashion clothes and shoes.
The hay market is still popular among the local population and visitors. Several tens of thousands of people per day visit him. Today, shopping pavilions attract buyers not only at affordable prices, but also with quality goods, as well as daily inspections conducted by the market administration along with sanitary services.
How to get to the Haymarket?
The Haymarket is located in St. Petersburg at 4 Moskovsky Prospekt, lit. A. The nearest metro stations are Sennaya Ploshchad, Spasskaya and Sadovaya. On foot you can walk to the Nevsky Prospekt and Gostiny Dvor stations .
Opening hours of the "Hay" market - from 08.00 to 20.00 seven days a week. In addition to the metro, the market can be reached by public or private transport. Visitors to the shopping area can park their car in a convenient parking lot. Shopping enthusiasts have the opportunity to spend the whole day on Sennaya Square, since all the conditions have it. Near the market there is a large shopping complex where you can also make purchases, visit a movie theater and satisfy your hunger in a restaurant or cafe.