1979 West 25th Street. Hubbell & Benes, architects.

Among the most popular attraction for Cleveland visitors, the West Side Market is also very popular with the locals—and has been for almost a century. It's the largest indoor / outdoor market in the country and on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is an interpretation of a Roman basilica, with a 124 x 245 foot long central hall above the two side aisles. The 44-foot ceiling is vaulted with glazed brick and Guastavino tile. Monumental columns sport capitals depicting fruits, vegetables, and animals. Outside, fruit and vegetable stands are along two sides of the building. Cleveland's strong ethnic heritage is reflected in the 100 indoor and 85 outdoor food stalls, many still operated by the same families as when the market opened in 1912. On a busy day, over 20 different languages are spoken here!

We couldn't take homemade sausage or raw meat back to the hotel room, but we did enjoy lunch here among the many prepared foods, baked goods, and produce. Our favorite was the poppy seed roll from Michael's Bakery (stand D2.) And we always enjoy talking to Marga and Lyuba at Michael's…they have been working here as long as anyone can remember!

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