Banja Luka's Covered Market
A Journey Through Banja Luka's "Green Market".
It's easy to take the places and things we see every day for granted. We get so caught up in our daily routines and the monotony of our surroundings that we often overlook the beauty and unique characteristics that make where we live special.
This hit me the other day, when I was walking through the centre of Banja Luka in the chilly February air.
I’ve walked countless times past the large indoor market without paying too much attention to be honest.
I not sure why, but I decided to walk around inside. It was near lunchtime and the market was starting to empty. I remember as a boy being fascinated by all the large barrows that were along the North End Road in West London, selling everything, and I mean everything, with the Traders shouting at the top of their voices with that very unusual but unique Cockney Slang.
Here though it was much quieter, still bustling of course, and different.
As far as I could see, these were not “Street Traders”, but people who had brought their own domestic products to market.
Maybe a bit more civilised?
Tamara always talks about visiting Camden Market in North London, it sees lots of tourists all the time, and I thought “why shouldn’t people visiting Banja Luka be encouraged to come to see and experience this market?”
You can actually learn a lot from a town or city’s market.
For more than a century, the citizens of Banja Luka have been served by the covered market, sometimes referred to as the "Green Market." The market is located opposite the Kastel and near the Ferhadija Mosque, inside a big, open structure with a distinctive green roof.
Fresh vegetables, handcrafted items, regional cheeses, and spices are just a few of the many products that you’ll see.
With merchants offering their items and customers negotiating for the best deals, the market is a hive of activity.
The lively atmosphere of the Banja Luka covered market is one of its most interesting features. A buzz is generated by the sounds of shoppers chatting animatedly, pots and pans clanging, and sellers calling out to consumers.
The Banja Luka covered market is a treasure trove of both local and regionally produced items. Everything is available, including weaved baskets, pottery, jewellery, and textiles.
These handcrafted items are not only lovely but also useful and make wonderful gifts. The market is also informative because the merchants are more than willing to interact with customers and explain how they make their goods.
The range of spices and herbs available in the covered market is another intriguing feature. It really is a sensory experience that will send your taste senses into overdrive, with everything from saffron to paprika. Many of the vendors provide samples for customers to try, and they are informed about the various spices and their applications.
mogu li pokušati molim vas? - can I try it please?
For me? I would say that anyone travelling to Banja Luka should stop by the city's covered market. In contrast to contemporary malls and retail facilities (that you can see almost anywhere at anytime), the market offers a distinctive shopping experience.
The covered market is a real representation of the city's traditional way of life, from it’s lively ambiance to the locally manufactured crafts and delicious food.
I would really recommend including the covered market as part of your visit Banja Luka.
Trust me!
You won't be sorry!
If you have visited the Banja Luka covered market, I would love to hear about your experience. Please share your thoughts and memories by clicking the comments box below.
If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the market yet, I hope this Post has inspired you to add it to your Banja Luka itinerary.
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