Queen Victoria Market, also known as Vic Market, is located in the business centre of Melbourne. It is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, built in the 19th century and still in operation today. There were once two other markets next to it, the Eastern and Western markets, but both closed in the 1960s.
In the mid-19th century there was a cemetery on the site of most of the market, and today human remains are still found during various works. The memory of those buried here is commemorated by a plaque on the corner of Queen Street and Terry Street.
The market area is about 7 hectares in size. The people of Melbourne themselves regard it as an example of their hometown's unique style, as evidenced by the fact that the market is listed as a Victorian heritage site.
From souvenirs, replicas of Aboriginal cultural items to jewellery, clothing and footwear, the market is also a destination for tourists from all over the world. You can always buy fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods of dozens of kinds or delicious delicacies of Australian and world cuisine.
In 2003, 1,328 solar panels were installed on the roofs of the market, covering an area of 2,000 square metres and generating 252,000 kWh of electricity. It is Melbourne's largest renewable energy generation complex.
