The Women’s Market (Zhenski Pazar) – Sofia’s Beating Heart

Both old legends and contemporary tips share one thing in common – the Women’s Market (also referred to as the Ladies’ Market, Ladies’ Bazaar and Zhenski Pazar) is the must-visit colorful, lively and fragrant spot in the heart of Sofia. Established right after Bulgaria’s Liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878, the Women’s market is the oldest open-air market in town. Back then Sofia had just been declared as a capital of the newborn country and the city was still much smaller than today. Today, this open-air market is at an immediate proximity to most major tourist sites such as the Square of Tolerance comprised by the four temples of the four main religions in Bulgaria.

In its early days, the Women’s Market quickly became the favorite place for local people eager to buy fresh agricultural production which farmers from the villages nearby sold on more than affordable prices. A single egg would cost only 5 cents, a hen would cost 60 cents and a pig – 4-5 leva.

Origins of the name

Previously, the market was known as the Horses’ Bazaar and the Wheat Bazaar, while during the communist regime it was renamed after a popular trade union leader – Georgi Kirkov. The origins of the current name actually date back to the Ottoman period when ladies were not allowed to go shopping elsewhere but in the area of today’s Ladies’ Bazaar. And they could only dare do so on Fridays.

The Women’s Market Today

Today, anyone can visit the Ladies’ Bazaar offering the widest variety of goods – fruits, vegetables, spices, meat and dairy products, exotic spices, clothing, souvenirs, various little gadgets and pretty much everything that comes to mind. The market is also famous for being one of the cheapest places to shop in Sofia. You would find plenty of stores selling things for less than a dollar/euro/pound.

There is also a wide variety of imported goods from the Middle East and restaurants with exotic or fast-food meals available in the area. The market now has its own app that helps you navigate the area more easily and find all that you are looking for. Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Events at the Women’s Market

In 2014, the market underwent major reconstruction. A brand new cultural space was created – the contemporary art gallery “Serdika”. It has hosted many beautiful exhibitions ever since.

• Sofia Vinyl Fest – usually held at “Serdika” gallery and attended by more than 3000 people last year. The vinyl records on offer included Queen, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Carlos Santana and hundreds more performers from all music types. The music played by an antique gramophone from the start of the previous century completed the show.
• Concerts at the market – Just a few months ago in the middle of the day, the Women’s Market witnessed a spontaneous, yet well-attended and popularly covered concert by the famous Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv.
• Farm Market – in January, the Ladies’ Bazaar hosted the traditional farm market. Thus, once again allowing Bulgarian producers and craftsmen to exhibit their ecological produce. The event culminated in the competition for the most delicious traditional homemade soup. Professionals prepared four special types of soup and local Bulgarians had to choose their favorite one. One of them is known as the best man’s soup. Popular mostly in winter in the region of Yambol, with its ingredients including pork meat, cabbage, spicy peppers, etc. The farm market is now a weekly event. You will find it every Satruday at the Women’s market.
• BACCHUS StreEAT Fest – Another tasty initiative that normally takes place in June and anyone attending can have a bite and a drink from the absolutely outstanding various dishes, deserts, ice cream, cakes, craft beers, wine, coffee, farm produce. Needless to say, there is also live jazz music and nightclub DJs involved.

With the help of these events and many other initiatives, in recent years the market restored its popularity among locals. It also became a must-see for all visiting Sofia. On a daily basis, almost 60 000 people come to the Ladies’ Bazaar and no one is left bored or disappointed. Make sure you check it out and dive into the beating heart of Sofia, once you visit the city.

Sightseeing around the market

Though a sight on its own, there is also plenty to discover around the market. Even though it is centrally located, the area surrounding it is considered by some locals as “the rundown part” of the city center. That being said, it is also one of the most historically significant. The architecture around the market has a different feel to the rest of the city. It also reveals more of Sofia’s charm from “back in the day”. All of this creates a unique atmosphere that is impossible to resist. For many that’s where the appeal of the area lies. While visiting the market, make sure to also check out:

• St. St. Cyril and Methodius Church
• Lion’s Bridge
• Pirotska Street – Sofia’s first pedestrian street
• Maria Luiza Boulevard
• Central Covered Market
• Sofia Synagogue
• Banya Bashi Mosque

Author: Free Sofia Tour Guide – Dimitar Dimitrov
Photo source: https://www.zhenski-pazar.com/

The Women’s Market is also part of our very own Sofia Alternative Tour – a unique quest-like experience around Sofia’s hidden gems.