The article examines the retrospective of the market’s emergence as an archaic element, its placement within the urban environment, and its value in contemporary conditions. It illustrates the interaction between the market square and the church. The differences between a shopping and entertainment centre and a traditional market are explored, along with the latter’s advantages and distinctive features. The focus is on markets as communicative spaces with their own character and originality, and on their influence on the identity of the urban environment. The study emphasises the architectural and spatial environment of the market square within the context of the urban planning framework.

Keywords: market, market square, retail space, commercial space, shopping space, shopping and entertainment centre, shopping and entertainment center, modern retail space, contemporary shopping space, trading rows, market stalls, covered market arcade