Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar), Bergen

The Meat Bazaar, Bergen's historic meat market, is an architectural and cultural gem dating from the 1870s. Designed by architect Conrad Fredrik von der Lippe in the Neo-Romanesque style, it was built in 1874–1876 and opened in 1877 as a municipal market for the sale and inspection of meat.

The history of Bergen's regulated meat trade goes back much further. Butchers had designated stalls in the city for centuries. On July 1, 1877, a new market opened. The building contained 44 sales stalls and 27 cellar stalls and was the only establishment of its kind in Norway. Its purpose was not only to provide a place for trade but also to improve hygiene and allow the authorities to inspect meat and other food products.

Today, the Meat Bazaar is primarily a restaurant and food venue rather than the traditional market of small stalls it once was. Visitors can stop for coffee, drinks, or a meal in several establishments housed within the historic building. An extensive restoration was carried out during the 1990s, and the building reopened as a food and restaurant venue in 1997.

The building itself also had several other uses over the years: Bergen Public Library occupied its upper floor from 1879 until 1917, and other organizations later used parts of the building. In 1965, it was even approved for demolition, but public protests saved it, and it was subsequently protected as a historic building.