At the turn of the 19th-20th century, after Budapest was formed by unifying Buda, Pest and Obuda, the city begun flourishing and expanding. The chaotic outdoor markets could no longer adequately supply the growing number of inhbaitants with fresh produce. The city leaders decided to build covered market halls similar to those in Paris and other Western European cities. Construtction of the Great Market Hall started in 1894 according to the design of Samu Petz. In 1896 a few days before the handover fire destroyed about half of the roof. After repairing the roof the market opened on 15th March 1897 together with the other four Budapest Markets, built at the same time. Budapest's Great Market Hall belonged to the most modern indoor markets at that time, with up-to-date lighting and refrigeration. Originally the vendors shipped their products into the hall through a network of indoor channels. They aren't in use anymore. The Great Market Hall was reconstructed between 1991-94. Beautiful Zsolnay tiles cover the enormous roof structure, that make it the most spectacular element of the building from outside. (Source: http://www.budapest-tourist-guide.com/gr eat-market-hall.html#history)