City Farmers' Market (Tržnica), Pula

The City Farmers' Market (Tržnica) in Pula serves as the city's main market and a vibrant hub where local farmers from surrounding areas bring their fresh produce and goods. This lively marketplace offers a variety of local fruits and vegetables, olive oils, honey, spices, and many other delightful items at the lowest prices in the city.

Pula’s market, referred to as "tržnica" (trᴣni:tza) in Croatian, is divided into two sections: the market hall and the open-air market. The open-air section features stalls brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and brandy. Unique local products such as sauerkraut, which is a staple in many local dishes, are also available. Seasonal specialties like mushrooms from central and northern Istria in autumn and wild asparagus in spring add to the market’s diverse offerings. The latter is particularly celebrated in an annual event each April, where local chefs prepare a giant omelette with wild asparagus for the community.

The market hall, housed in a two-story Liberty-style building made of iron and glass, includes butcheries and cheese stands on one side and a fish market on the other. The fish market is a highlight for many visitors, featuring a range of both well-known and lesser-known fish. Local favorites such as sardines, grey mullets, common pandoras, and surmullets are sold, along with small fish suitable for traditional dishes like Istrian Brodetto (a type of fish stew). The market also offers congers and small sharks such as spotted catsharks and common smooth-hounds.

The City Farmers' Market is not only a place to buy fresh produce and local delicacies but also a significant historical and cultural landmark in Pula. It is often included in guided walking tours, providing visitors with a chance to explore, take a break, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.