The civic association ALIANCIA STARÁ TRŽNICA (AST) was founded as a group of eleven professionals from various fields who were united by a common dissatisfaction with the condition of the historic building of the Old Market in Bratislava. In 2012, it had been practically inaccessible to the public for five years, with the exception of occasional events. Together, they decided to use their professional experience and create a project to revive the Old Market so that it would serve as a city center offering markets and cultural events for both residents and visitors to the city.
How did it start?
This new era of the Old Market Hall visibly began in September 2013, when the first TRH-PIAC-MARKT food market took place on September 21. In the beginning, the markets were held only once a month, as it was first necessary to gain the trust and favor of both vendors and visitors. At the same time, it was necessary to test the operational capabilities of the building. In addition to the markets, various other events began to increase — concerts, conferences, discussions, and community activities. The Old Market Square began to come to life again. Today, approximately 6-7,000 visitors attend the Saturday markets, and thanks to its activities, the Old Market Square has become the center of city life, thus regaining the function for which it was built.
Other activities
The Stará tržnica Alliance team gradually became involved in other projects, helping them by sharing their own knowledge and experience. Among others, the following projects are worth mentioning: Hunyadi Téri Vásárcsarnok (Budapest), Střecha Lucerny (Prague), Nová tržnica (Bratislava), Živé námestie (Bratislava), Kláštor Cultural Center in Rožňava, Project Sadni si (Bratislava), and others.
Future goals
What are the other goals of the Alliance? First of all, it is the further management, maintenance and development of the Old Market Hall building in accordance with the rules of monument protection, the needs of management and development of cultural heritage, but also with regard to modern challenges in the area of, for example, climate change. Another goal is the active development of urban culture within the layout of the building and its immediate surroundings. Last but not least, the goal is to create an open, inclusive and safe public space in which diverse groups of residents and communities can meet and connect with each other.
History of the building and site
What did the market square look like before the Old Market Square was built? Was this building even necessary?
And how did it change its surroundings? You can find answers to these and other questions on the Bratislavské rožky website.
