The central Athens food market occupies a large block between Athinas, Sofokleous, Euripidou and Aiolou Streets. Plans for construction began in 1876. Back then, the market was mostly open-air and vendors sold their goods from shacks around the Roman Agora nearby. The cost of construction was covered by a donation from benefactor (and caviar importer) Ioannis Varvakis, who gave the market its Greek name: Varvakios Agora. After several delays, the Varvakios was inaugurated in 1884. The glass roof and basements were added in 1886.
