The history of the largest covered market of Thessaloniki started in 1922 when Eli Modiano purchased seven plots in the area where the Arch-Rabbinate was located during the auctions for the sale of land according to the new urban plan. The construction works began in 1923 and were completed in two years. The market included 144 shops of varying sizes and was divided into arcades, following the European architectural style of that time. For several decades Modiano Market, listed in 1995 as a historic building by the Ministry of Culture, was the premium spot for shopping for food supplies as well as socializing around the tavernas and cafes located inside.