On Khreshchatyk, the central street of Kyiv, you can find many attractions, among which stands out the covered market known as Bessarabka. Until the early 20th century, there was a large wasteland here where people of questionable reputation gathered in the evenings. Locals often complained about the noise, and the authorities decided to improve the area. The wasteland was cleared, roads were laid, and a trading square was organized. Over time, the square expanded, and the idea of creating a covered market emerged.

Sugar manufacturer Lazar Brodsky donated 500,000 rubles for construction. Initially, it was planned to accommodate 200 shops, a restaurant, and even a library with a concert hall in the building, but due to budget constraints, the latter had to be abandoned. Architect Heinrich Gai developed the design in the Art Nouveau style. The market's structure was complex: thick brick walls combined with a metal vaulted frame supporting a glass roof. The light-permeable roof, resting on a metal truss, provided excellent lighting inside.

Heinrich Gai also paid attention to the decoration of the facade. A scene titled 'Peasant with Bulls' was created for the meat shops, 'Dairy Maid' for the dairy shops, and 'Fish' for the fish stalls. Even the rivets were made in the shape of flowers. Since 1912, Bessarabka has become the main trading place in Kyiv. Over time, the market became the most expensive in the city, giving rise to expressions like 'expensive as at Bessarabka' and 'we're not at Bessarabka,' meaning that haggling is inappropriate. Today, Bessarabsky Market is a monument of architecture. If you are in Kyiv, be sure to stop by; it is very beautiful and atmospheric here.