It is regarded to be the oldest in Kyiv. The Zhytnii Market existed at this place even during the times of Kyivan Rus, and in the 15th century, it was the main trade centre of the city, where fairs were held twice a year, folk festivities took place with a carnival-like ascent to the Shchekavytsia Hill. The modern market building was constructed in 1980. It is considered a cultural heritage of Art Nouveau.
The façade of the market is decorated with a metal panel Route from the Varangians to the Greeks by Anatolii Domnych. The market has dairy, meat, greengrocery, and fish departments. There are several shops with flowers, seeds, clothes and shoes. The Zhytnii Market is surrounded by churches: the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the buildings of the Florivskyi Nunnery.