Historically known as Hagensberg, Agenskalns is a district of Riga located on the left bank of the Daugava. It has an area of 4.6 square kilometers.
In 1812 because of fears of Napoleon's advance the buildings of Agenskalns were burnt down. When the buildings were rebuilt in the mid 1800's there was no town planning so the buildings were built in mixed styles and in an unusual layout.
The earliest market was called Setas Krogs and it moved to its current location on Tirgus iela and this area quickly became the focal centre of the neighbourhood. The current market building was constructed between 1911 and 1924.
On 19th September 1944, a Soviet air raid on Nazi occupied Riga led to 40 teenage boys being killed. They had been forced by the Nazi's to work in a textile factory.
The most notable monument in Aganskalns is the Victory Memorial to Soviet Army in Victory Park which was erected in 1985. The 1938 Latvian Song and Dance Festival was also held in Victory Park.
The oldest buildings in Agenskalns are 18th century, however it is its mix of Art Nouveau designed by Eisenstein and Wilhelm and Baltic/German architecture that creates the neighbourhoods unique aesthetic.
The market building itself was designed by the cities chief architect Reinhold Schmelling.
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