Haselika Govila

Haselika Govila is the ancient market square in Toret, Spranten. Chartered in 892, the area is now a highly developed area at the centre of the Central Business District of the city.

History

The first record of a market at Haselika Govila can be found in an anonymous travel writing now kept at the Partisag Frega dated 864. This reports that at the crossing point it was possible to buy "a diverse variety of foods from all regions of the land". Amongst the items listed are wagons from Potaken and clothing from Hodati.

The market has been fundamental to the growth and development of Toret. The area suffered from the floods of 1022, 1234 and 1350, until the construction of the great flood defences along the side of the River Haselika. When rebuilt, the market was expanded greatly; the area now known as Haselika Govila covers over 200 hectares (500 acres).

Although banking services were available before then, it was during this rebuild that the first bank buildings were erected. The banking area developed over the next few centuries with the addition of the first stock exchange in 1692. Today, it is the major area of employment in the city.

Architecture

Architectually, the Haselika Govilla is very interesting. Many of its recent buildings have won awards, including the Mitch & Yohan Award in 2000 and Cobalt Award in 2001. In addition, the south side of the marketplace, built in 1752, is reportedly the earliest example of a iron span structure.

Interesting Facts

• The eastern dam is built from silt removed from the estuary following the 1350 flood.
• The great clock tower completed in 1877 to comemorate independence was rebuilt in the 1960s with an atomic clock.