Listen | Pig market
The Varkensmarkt was by far the most beautiful market in Purmerend. The market was held here, on Willem Eggertstraat opposite the Weeshuis.
Indeed, this street used to be surrounded on two sides by historic mansions with magnificent facades. Unfortunately, the former orphanage is the only one of these properties with a characteristic facade that has been well preserved.
In a way, the pig market is also the reason why a few mansions have disappeared. In fact, the market was such a success that more space was needed. That is why the municipality demolished two gable-fronted houses on Willem Eggertstraat, creating a small square.
In the 1950s, the market grew even more...
Indeed, this street used to be surrounded on two sides by historic mansions with magnificent facades. Unfortunately, the former orphanage is the only one of these properties with a characteristic facade that has been well preserved.
In a way, the pig market is also the reason why a few mansions have disappeared. In fact, the market was such a success that more space was needed. That is why the municipality demolished two gable-fronted houses on Willem Eggertstraat, creating a small square.
In the 1950s, the market grew even more. The municipality even placed special pig pens along both sides of the street. By forming a causeway from an alley, farmers drove their pigs into the market and into the pens. This structural approach was also necessary. Indeed, the pig market had grown so large that about fifty thousand fat pigs and piglets were traded per year.
With the construction of the Willem Eggert shopping centre, the municipality moved the pig market to the Koemarkt in 1973. The supply of pigs had already declined sharply by then, partly due to the outbreak of swine fever. The last time there was a pig market in Purmerend was in 1981.
In the location screen, you can see what it was like here on the Pig Market with the special pig pens. Under video you can see moving images of the pig market that took place here. After watching the video, continue along the route into the schoolsteeg.
