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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Grand Marché de Saint-Denis is an artisanal market located in downtown Saint-Denis, on the island of La Réunion. Built between 1864 and 1866, it replaces ruined buildings formerly managed by the charitable office. This market is distinguished by its steel frame architecture and its cast iron columns, characteristic of 19th century engineering.

The market is organized around a central driveway surrounded by eight pavilions. It has been included in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments since August 21, 1997, recognizing its heritage value. Located at 2 rue du Maréchal-Leclerc, it remains a central place for local trade and crafts.

The construction of the Grand Marché is part of a period of urban modernisation in Réunion, where public infrastructure was being redesigned to meet the growing needs of an expanding population. This market, owned by the municipality, embodies the importance of commercial spaces in the social and economic life of the island in the nineteenth century.

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